Commitment to Democracy Urged by President Akufo-Addo at African Parliamentary Conference

Accra: President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has called on Speakers and Presidents of African Parliaments to dedicate themselves to the principles of democracy, Pan-Africanism, and the advancement of the continent. The call was made during a speech delivered on his behalf by Mrs. Patricia Appiagyei at the Second General Assembly of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL) in Accra. According to Ghana News Agency, the conference serves as a permanent forum aimed at uniting legislative leaders across Africa to promote the continent's growth and sustainable development. A key focus of the two-day meeting is the consideration and adoption of CoSPAL's draft constitution, prepared by the Interim Technical Working Group following the first assembly in Abuja, Nigeria, in 2022. President Akufo-Addo commended visionaries like Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila and Professor Mike Oquaye, among others, for their foundational contributions to CoSPAL. President Akufo-Addo emphasized the alignment of CoSPAL's objectives with Pan-African ideals and expressed confidence in its future impact under the leadership of Ghana's Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin. He highlighted Accra's historical significance as a venue for the assembly and stressed the importance of the gathering in fostering Pan-African unity and legislative cooperation to ensure stability and prosperity across Africa. The President reiterated the importance of democracy as a vital element of Africa's future, emphasizing the need for participation, inclusion, and respect. He underscored the ongoing efforts in Ghana to strengthen democratic institutions and transparency, especially as the country approaches upcoming elections. The President called for unity and peace among all Ghanaians, irrespective of political affiliations. Speakers at the event, including Speaker Bagbin and Professor Oquaye, also urged collective efforts to combat poverty and leverage Africa's natural resources for development. Mr. Vital Kamerhe, Pres ident of the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Congo, appealed for an end to conflict to enable the continent's development.