In a bid to limit language barriers and deepen Parliamentary democracy within the African Region, the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin and the President of the National Assembly of Cote d’Ivoire, His Excellency Adama Bictogo have decided to lead the talk and make the two countries a shining example for the rest to follow.
At a press briefing in Parliament on Wednesday, the Rt. Hon. Speaker noted that as the Chairman of the conference of all Speakers, and Presidents in Africa he is in a good position to sell the ideas of putting together good mechanisms to eliminate language barriers and promote trade in African countries.
The Rt. Hon. Speaker made these remarks when His Excellency Adama Bictogo paid a courtesy call on him during a two-day official visit to Ghana.
His Excellency Adama Bictogo who also chairs the Conference of All Presidents / Speakers of National Assemblies in Francophone countries noted that in dealing effectively with Parliamentary Democracy, African countries must agree to share topics that will promote, education, planning on the economy, and transform countries to become stronger.
“Through cooperation, our weakness is covered by our strength and as one family we must work together to create jobs for the population,” he stated.
He admitted that these initiatives of African Parliament Speakers must be done in agreement with the respective Presidents of the countries.
He also used the opportunity to invite Rt. Hon. Speaker Alban Bagbin to address the National Assembly of Cote d’Ivoire in October when the House resumes. The three-day official visit of the delegation, including Members of the Cote d’Ivoire National Assembly, is expected to strengthen and deepen the relationship between the two countries and contribute positively to Africa’s regional integration and stability.
The two Speakers later agreed to document all the initiatives and programmes seeking to break language barriers within the African Region for the benefit of their successive Speakers to continue what they have started.
The Majority Leader and the Minority Leader, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin and Hon. Cassiel Ato Forson, respectively, other leaders from both Caucuses of the House, Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Cyril Kwabena Oteng Nsiah, Deputy Clerk Ebenezer Djeitror, Directors and Officers of the Parliamentary Service were all present.