The Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, and the President of the National Assembly of Cote d’Ivoire, His Excellency Adama Bictogo, have pledged to lead efforts to overcome language barriers and deepen parliamentary democracy in Africa.
The two leaders made this declaration during a courtesy call by His Excellency Adama Bictogo on Rt. Hon. Speaker Bagbin during a two-day official visit to Ghana.
At a media engagement in Parliament, Rt. Hon. Speaker Bagbin emphasized his position as Chairman of the conference of all Speakers and Presidents and Presiding Officers in Africa, enabling him to promote a mechanism to eliminate language barriers and boost trade among African countries.
His Excellency Adama Bictogo, who also chairs the Conference of All Presidents/Speakers of National Assemblies in Francophone countries, stressed the need for African countries to share topics that promote education, economic planning, and transformation to strengthen their nations.
He emphasized the importance of cooperation, stating that “Through cooperation, our weakness is covered by our strength, and as one family we must work together and create jobs for the population.”
His Excellency Adama Bictogo acknowledged that these initiatives must be done in agreement with the respective Presidents of the countries and extended an invitation to Rt. Hon. Speaker Bagbin to address the National Assembly of Cote d’Ivoire in October 2024.
In a reciprocal gesture, Rt. Hon. Speaker Bagbin invited His Excellency Adama Bictogo to address Ghana’s Parliament in January 2025.
Majority Leader Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin highlighted the long-standing cooperation between Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire, citing the amicable resolution of maritime boundary disputes and successful trade cooperation in the cocoa sector.
Minority Leader Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson emphasized the need to address challenges beyond language barriers, such as high shipping costs within Africa, to promote regional trade.
The two Speakers agreed to document initiatives and programs aimed at breaking language barriers within the African Region for the benefit of their successors, ensuring continuity and progress.
