By: Kofi Don-Agor
The second Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL) was held in Accra, Ghana, with a focus on climate change (UN SDGs 13), the Rt. Honorable Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament urged delegates to take the pressing issues of climate change and security seriously. He emphasized that climate change is more pronounced and evident on the African continent, affecting various aspects of our lives, including agriculture, transportation, health, water resources, and many more. Therefore, he called on African governments to enhance collaboration with legislatures to combat the impact of climate change.
“Ghana’s committement to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change under its Nationally Determined Contribution (Gh-NDCs), requires significant investment for it’s implementation measures, with an estimated financing gap between $9.3 billion and $15.5 billion from 2020 to 2030”. He also stressed the importance of addressing security concerns in the sub-regions.
The Rt. Hon. Alban S.K. Bagbin, was re-elected to chair the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL) for the next 12 months.
Speaker Bagbin until his re-election at this conference, was the sitting president of CoSPAL
The Rt. Hon. Alban S.K. Bagbin, urged African legislative leaders to work together to address common challenges, as he opened the 2nd General Assembly of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL) in Accra.
Promoting Africa Unity
Speaker Bagbin reminded delegates of the shared history and goals that bind the continent by recalling past gatherings of newly independent African nations.
He stressed that CoSPAL’s role is strengthening partnerships across African governments and international organizations.
“Our parliaments cannot sit on the sidelines,” he said, calling for legislative bodies to play active roles in advancing Africa’s interests.
“During this conference delegates will focus on adopting a Draft Constitution (DC) for CoSPAL to formalize its mission and expand cooperation” Alban Bagbin said.
Speaker Bagbin encouraged delegates to approach these discussions with a unified focus, reminding them of the continent’s interconnected future. “We face common challenges,” he said, “and together we can work towards a better future for all Africans.”
The President’s Speech
The President of the Republic of Ghana H.E Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo was represented by Hon. Patricia Appiadjei the deputy majority leader of Ghana’s Parliament, said, “CoSPAL’s role is not merely as an organization but as a movement” – one uniquely positioned to unite our legislative processes and to create a framework where best practices and governance strategies can be shared across national borders. Today’s assembly seeks to establish CoSPAL’s foundational constitution and operational mechanisms, ensuring that this body is equipped to serve as a bridge among our legislatures, fostering cooperation and unity across the African continent.
The vision behind CoSPAL aligns with the enduring ideals of Pan-Africanism. Our forebears, who laid the foundations for African emancipation and unity, understood the power of solidarity. Through CoSPAL, we honor their legacy by ensuring that our governance structures are not isolated from one another but integrated and supportive of a common African identity. This assembly is an opportunity to renew our commitment to Pan-Africanism, to affirm that we are stronger together, and to stand in solidarity as we tackle both local and continental issues with a united front.
Africa has made strides in democratic governance, but it is undeniable that we continue to face serious obstacles. The movement toward greater freedom, peace, and development has at times been interrupted by violence, health crises, and political instability. CoSPAL, therefore, has a responsibility to develop and promote legislative frameworks that protect the democratic rights of our citizens and foster a sense of shared responsibility in overcoming these challenges.
We must strive for a borderless and boundless approach in addressing Africa’s issues, for many of the challenges we face are not confined to our individual nations. The free movement of people, economic integration, and shared policies on security and health are crucial. I firmly believe that CoSPAL will achieve remarkable success by promoting legislative practices that transcend national interests and focus on Africa’s collective wellbeing.
What is CoSPAL
The Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL) is a gathering of top legislative leaders from across Africa. It’s a platform for Speakers and Presidents of African parliaments to come together, share experiences, and address common challenges facing the continent.
What is CoSPAL’s Purpose
CoSPAL aims to promote democratic principles, foster cooperation, and strengthen legislative institutions in Africa. It provides a space for these leaders to discuss pressing issues, exchange ideas, and develop strategies for effective governance.
The Event and Key Takeaways
The the gathering also witness election of new members to the African Legislators’ Advisory Committee, including leaders from Nigeria.
CoSPAL is a vital forum for African legislative leaders to:
– Promote democratic values and principles
– Foster cooperation and collaboration among member states
– Strengthen legislative institutions for effective governance
– Address common challenges facing the continent.
