The Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, has officially opened the exhibition segment of the ongoing 4th Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values, with a ceremonial sod-cutting at the forecourt of the Speaker’s Office in Parliament House, Accra.
The ceremony formed part of activities marking the continental conference, which has brought together parliamentarians, policymakers, traditional leaders and civil society actors to deliberate on issues affecting family systems, national sovereignty and cultural values across Africa.
Mr. Djietror was joined by the First Deputy Majority Whip, Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe, Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs and Member of Parliament for Dadekotopon Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, and the Member of Parliament for Savelugu, Hon. Fatahiya Abdul Aziz.
The exhibition is showcasing the rich blend of Ghanaian culture, history and entrepreneurship, with exhibitors displaying traditional fabrics including fugu, handicrafts, jewellery, footwear, beauty products, food items and historical parliamentary records.
The fair also highlights parliament’s public engagement initiatives and historical archives dating back to the pre-independence era.
Officials explained that the exhibition was designed to deepen public understanding of parliamentary work and strengthen accountability by allowing citizens to track contributions and activities of their elected representatives.
Among the displays were historical attendance registers and records documenting debates and proceedings from Ghana’s legislative history.
The exhibition also featured advocacy booths highlighting social and health-related issues. One advocacy group called on lawmakers to strengthen efforts toward the inclusion of rare chronic diseases under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), citing the high cost of diagnosis and treatment for affected families.
Adding colour to the event were exhibitors from the Greater Accra Arts Centre, who displayed an array of locally made products, including decorative necklaces, fabric prints, body butter and traditional food products.
Speaking during the exhibition tour, artisan Anthony Brenya said the event provided an important platform for promoting African products and culture.
He noted that locally manufactured products represent an important aspect of African identity and should be supported to gain greater visibility on the global market.
“Arts is one of the African ways of life, and this is an opportunity for us to showcase our crafts and culture to the world,” he said.
Fashion and lifestyle brand Belberry also drew attention with its collection of footwear and neckwear designed for professionals, public officials and business leaders.
Exhibitors described the products as symbols of African elegance and confidence, tailored to help leaders project authority while embracing their cultural identity.
The 4th Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values continues in Accra with discussions centred on strengthening families, protecting national sovereignty, promoting ethical leadership and preserving Africa’s cultural foundations in an increasingly globalised world.
By: Christian Kpesese
