The Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has called on Ghanaians to showcase the rich hospitality of the country to the world during the upcoming 66th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, scheduled for September 30th to October 6th, 2023, at the Accra International Conference Center.
This conference holds particular significance as it coincides with the combined 30th anniversary of Ghana’s Constitution, Parliament, and Fourth Republic. It marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s democratic journey and reaffirms its status as a beacon of democracy on the African continent.
Addressing the media in Parliament on Thursday, September 28, 2023, Speaker Bagbin who doubles as the President of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and the President of the Ghana Branch of the Association, underscored the privilege Ghana feels in hosting this prestigious gathering.
“In today’s complex global landscape, the Commonwealth requires a platform for dialogue and cooperation among member countries to address the common challenges we face while upholding the values of the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association envisions promoting inclusive, representative, and transparent Commonwealth Parliaments that effectively hold the executive accountable and advocate for the concerns of the electorate. To achieve this vision, the conference will emphasize the vital role of parliamentary diplomacy in tackling challenges and shaping policies that benefit our citizens,” he said.
As Ghana gears up to host this momentous event, Speaker Bagbin called upon all involved to demonstrate unwavering dedication and commitment in their respective roles.
“As we gear up to host this remarkable event, let’s summon our utmost dedication and commitment, regardless of the roles we assume. Our goal is clear: to transform the 66th CPA conference in Accra into an indelible experience for all attendees, one that leaves lasting imprints and fosters profound collaborations among the Commonwealth nations. As we prepare to extend our warmest welcome to delegates and participants hailing from the Commonwealth, we are filled with anticipation. This moment presents us with an opportunity to showcase the rich hospitality of our nation.”
The roots of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association can be traced back to the Empire Parliamentary Association’s founding in 1948, where parliamentarians recognized the importance of collective effort in building a better world.
Over the years, the CPA has evolved, becoming an annual event in 1961, and broadening its agenda to encompass discussions on parliamentary and electoral processes. Presently, the CPA serves more than 30 jurisdictions with smaller populations and, in 2016, elected its first CPA Small Branches Chairperson. The establishment of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) in 1989 further demonstrates the CPA’s commitment to increasing female representation in Commonwealth Parliaments and prioritizing gender-related issues in legislative debates.
The 66th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, the pinnacle of the CPA’s annual gatherings, is set to bring together over 500 Parliamentarians, parliamentary staff, and decision-makers from across the Commonwealth.
The official opening ceremony, scheduled for October 4th, 2023, will be held under the patronage of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Ghana and Vice-Patron of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. It will set the stage for a series of workshops addressing critical topics, including security, human rights, the environment, the economy, gender equality, and other cross-cutting issues. Notably, one of the workshops will focus on “Combating the Threat of Terrorism to Statehood: the Role of Parliament.”
The 66th CPC in Accra will bring together Speakers, Parliamentarians, Clerks-to-Parliaments, Parliamentary Staff, and key stakeholders from 56 National Branches and 111 Sub-National Branches across the Commonwealth’s nine geographic regions.
The conference will also feature various meetings and conferences, including the 39th CPA Small Branches Conference, gatherings of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) and Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD) networks, the 66th CPA General Assembly, meetings of the CPA Executive Committee, and the 57th Society of Clerks at the Table (SOCATT) meetings.
Speaker Bagbin, in his capacity as the President of the Association, will preside over the General Assembly, chair the Elections Committee, and actively participate in the Executive Committee’s deliberations.
The conference presents an opportunity for Ghana to showcase its rich hospitality to delegates and participants from across the Commonwealth.
