Be Hospitable To Visitors As Ghana Host Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference- Bagbin

The Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament and president of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Rt Hon Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has called on Ghanaians to exhibit their usual sense of hospitality towards delegates and participants as the country hosts the 66th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference.

Mr Bagbin expressed the readiness of the Legislature towards making the conference a momorable one for patrons and charged all to market the country and reminiscent the glory of the country to the visitors.

Addressing members of the Parliamentary Press Corps ahead of the conference scheduled from September 30, to October 6, 2023, the speaker said it is the resolve of parliament to transform the 66th CPA Conference into an indelible experience for participant and urged all citizens to help make this a reality by leaving lasting memories in the minds of all attendees.

“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”, Speaker Bagbin stated.

The Speaker disclosed that in a bid to create a lasting memory in the minds of the visitors, some of the country’s interesting tourist destinations including the Akosombo Dam site, Dodi Islands, the Elmina Castle, Kakum National Park would all be at their pleasure for visitation.

Exhibition of Ghana’s rich tradition and culture at the Kumasi cultural centre and the Pan African Museum located at Takoradi would all be inviting attraction destinations for the visitors to the 66th Commonwealth Conference.

Rt Hon Bagbin underscored the significance of dialogue and cooperation among member states to address the common challenges confronting them even as they uphold the values of the commonwealth.

“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” Speaker Bagbin said.

He also stated that the 66th CPC will place emphasis on the role of parliamentary diplomacy to shape policies that guarantees inclusivity, transparency and accountability and representation in addressing the challenges that faces the people 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.

President of the Republic of Ghana and Vice-Patron of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is expected open the conference and set the stage for a series of workshops for the 66th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference which is on the general theme: “The Commonwealth Charter 10 years on: Values and Principles for Parliaments to Uphold,” from September 30 to October 6, 2023 at the International Conference Centre, Accra.

Read the full statement below:
I welcome you to your House, the Parliament House of Ghana. As we stand on the cusp of an event that will soon capture the world’s attention, on behalf of the Leadership of Parliament, Members of Parliament, Directors and officers of Parliamentary Service of Ghana, I am delighted to share with you our country’s bid to host the 66th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, scheduled to take place from September 30th to October 6th, 2023, at the Accra International Conference Center. This year, we are celebrating the combined 30th anniversary of our Constitution, our Parliament, and our Fourth Republic, marking a remarkable milestone in our journey as a beacon of democracy.
As a nation, we consider it a privilege to host this prestigious conference, and I am personally honored to serve as the President of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and the President of the Ghana Branch of the Association. Our conference coincides with a pivotal moment in our Country’s history, as we reflect on our progress in parliamentary democracy. The chosen theme, “The Commonwealth Charter 10 years on: Values and Principles for Parliaments to Uphold,” aligns with our national sentiment as we commemorate three decades of parliamentary democracy. The year 2023 marks the 10th anniversary of the Commonwealth Charter, a document that outlines the core principles and values of the Commonwealth.
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.
The roots of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association trace back to the Empire Parliamentary Association, which was founded in 1948. It was at this time that parliamentarians recognized the importance of working together as equals to build a better world. Over the years, the CPA has evolved, becoming an annual event in 1961, with a broader agenda that includes discussions on parliamentary and electoral processes. Today, the CPA serves more than 30 jurisdictions with smaller populations, and in 2016, it elected its first CPA Small Branches Chairperson. Additionally, the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP), established in 1989, aims to increase female representation in Commonwealth Parliaments and prioritize women’s issues in legislative debates.
The 66th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference is the pinnacle of the CPA’s annual gatherings, bringing together over 500 Parliamentarians, parliamentary staff, and decision-makers from across the Commonwealth. The official opening ceremony, scheduled for Wednesday, October 4th, 2023, 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, will set the stage for a series of workshops. These workshops will delve into crucial topics such as security, human rights, the environment, the economy, gender equality, and other cross-cutting issues. The workshop will focus on “Combating the Threat of Terrorism to Statehood: the Role of Parliament,” with the Hon. Minister of National Security leading discussions.
The CPA Africa Region has a rich history of hosting conferences, with the 66th CPC in Accra marking the 17th occasion. Over seven days, this conference will unite 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.
In addition to the main conference, we will hold 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.
In my capacity as the President of the Association, I will preside over the General Assembly on Thursday, October 5th, 2023, chair the Elections Committee of the Association, and actively participate in the Executive Committee’s deliberations. It is worth noting that during the 65th CPA General Assembly, Hon. Ian Liddell-Grainger, MP (United Kingdom), was elected as the Chairperson of the CPA Executive Committee, while Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, MP, Majority Leader and Member of the Parliament of Ghana, was confirmed as the Vice-Chairperson. This demonstrates the active role Ghana plays within the CPA’s nine Regions.
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.
Thank you for your attention, and we look forward to a successful conference as we seek your support and prayers in lifting the flag of Ghana.