The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, today launched the 30th anniversary of uninterrupted parliamentary democracy at the Chamber of Parliament.
“The need to focus on strengthening Ghana’s democratic institutions if the country wants to have a sustainable democracy is key”.
Past Speakers of the Fourth Republic who have been pivotal in strengthening the pillars of democracy through their contributions and sacrifices were eulogized.
“We are this year observing the combined 30th anniversary of our Constitution, our Parliament, and our Fourth Republic.
The year-long celebration will zone the country into six. Programmes will be planned to suit the peculiarities of each of the six zones with regional activities ranging from mock sittings, Organising a football match and health walk at the regional level.
The national level will feature events such as public lecture, football matches, award ceremony, legacy project,cutting sod of the democracy House, broadcast of the history of parliament on the theme “Parliament thus far to educate the public on parliamentary activities”. He added that a burst will be constructed to showcase democracy in Africa.
Speaker Bagbin made these statements when he was addressing the august House. He expressed his immense gratitude to the patriotic citizens of Ghana, both departed and alive, who made various sacrifices in order to see the birth of the current democratic dispensation.
“To most of you today, the Fourth Republic remains very dear, and rightly so. How we got here is history to you.” Mr. Speaker gave a brief history of Ghana’s journey to parliamentary democracy. He stated that Ghana will host the 2023 Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Annual Conference, which will be held in Accra from 30th September to 6th October 2023. He added that “Selecting Ghana to host this prestigious conference in itself is an honor. Beyond that, it is proof of how the world sees and rates our parliamentary democracy.”
Mr Speaker urged Ghanaians to keep this in mind as the Country prepares to host the CPA in Accra and to put their best foot forward to ensure that the conference leaves lasting memories on the minds of participants and guests.
Ghana has had eight successive elections and four government change-overs between the two major political parties, which Speaker Bagbin stated as proof that Ghana is now a consummate democratic dispensation. However, he added that “elections and successful government change-overs are not the only determinants of a working democracy.”
The event was attended by high profile dignitaries, in attendance were Rt. Hon. Edward Doe Adjaho Speaker of the 7th Parliament , Rt. Hon. Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, Speaker of the 7th Parliament , represenating the President of the Republic was former Member of Parliament and Chief of Staff at the Presidency Hon. Frema Osei Opare, Mr Emmanuel Anyimadu , former Clerk of Parliament , former Members of Parliament, Eminent Clergy.
Ghana is touted as the leading model of democracy in Africa, attributed to its remarkable accomplishment of conducting eight consecutive presidential and parliamentary elections, following the enactment of its Constitution on April 28th, 1992.
The seamless transitions of power between different political parties highlight Ghana’s commitment to upholding democratic values and principles.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com
