The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, and the President of the National Assembly of Côte d’Ivoire, H.E. Adama Bictogo, have committed to spearheading efforts to overcome language barriers and enhance parliamentary democracy across Africa.
This pledge came during a two-day official visit by the Ivorian delegation to Ghana.
During a bilateral meeting and subsequent media engagement, both leaders emphasized the importance of fostering cooperation among African parliaments.
The Speaker, the Chairman of the Conference of All Speakers, Presidents, and Presiding Officers in Africa, stated, “We are in a good position to sell the idea of putting together a good mechanism to eliminate language barriers and promote trade among African countries.”
H.E. Bictogo, who chairs the Conference of All Presidents/Speakers of National Assemblies in Francophone countries, stressed the need for African countries to collaborate on education, economic planning, and national development.
He asserted, “Through cooperation, our weakness is covered by our strength, and as one family we must work together and create jobs for the population.”
The Ivorian leader invited Speaker Bagbin to address the Ivorian National Assembly in October 2024, with a reciprocal visit to Ghana’s Parliament planned for January 2025. Both Speakers agreed to document their initiatives to break language barriers within the African region, ensuring continuity for future Speakers.
Minority Leader Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson highlighted challenges beyond language, noting, “Shipping certain goods from Ghana to Côte d’Ivoire is more expensive than shipping them to the United States, and this does not encourage trade among African countries.”
This visit is expected to strengthen bilateral relations and contribute to regional integration and stability in Africa, as both nations strive to set an example for parliamentary cooperation across the continent.
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