At the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Istanbul, Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has called for a renewed global commitment to justice-driven peace, positioning parliaments as pivotal actors in shaping resilient and inclusive societies.
Delivering Ghana’s national statement, the Speaker emphasized that sustainable development cannot be divorced from the principles of hope, peace, and justice. He framed hope as a product of public confidence in governance systems that deliver equitable growth, safeguard livelihoods, and expand opportunities—particularly for the youth.
According to him, peace must be understood beyond the mere absence of conflict. Instead, he noted, it should be grounded in fairness, social equity, and strong institutions capable of responding to the evolving needs of citizens.
Drawing on Ghana’s experience, Mr. Bagbin highlighted Parliament’s oversight role in environmental governance and social protection initiatives, linking these efforts to broader goals of stability and inclusive development. He acknowledged, however, that persistent challenges—including economic inequality, youth unemployment, environmental degradation, and security concerns—continue to test national resilience.
He also pointed to emerging threats such as misinformation, cybersecurity risks, and disparities in digital access, warning that these could undermine democratic gains if not addressed through deliberate legislative action.
The Speaker further emphasized that Parliament remains the cornerstone of democratic accountability, tasked with translating national priorities into enforceable laws and policies. He referenced ongoing interventions in education, youth empowerment, and judicial reform as critical steps toward strengthening access to justice and social equity.
Mr. Bagbin called for stronger political will and international cooperation, underscoring that building a just and peaceful society demands sustained, coordinated efforts to secure the future for coming generations.
By: Christian Kpesese
