Speaker Alban S. K. Bagbin of the Parliament of Ghana has issued a strong call to parliamentarians to prioritize national unity and development by abandoning egoism, indiscipline, and superiority complexes. He emphasized the importance of demonstrating exemplary leadership to the youth, urging members to focus on fostering a healthier and more robust parliamentary process that contributes to sustainable national growth. The Speaker’s remarks were delivered at the inaugural Speaker’s First Breakfast Prayer Meeting of the Ninth Parliament of the Fourth Republic, hosted by the Parliamentary Christian Fellowship (PCF). The theme of the meeting, “A Better and a Stronger Parliament,” drawn from Psalm 33:12, underscored the importance of placing God at the center of national affairs. Bagbin’s pronouncements addressed recent disruptions in parliamentary proceedings, a situation he pledged to rectify by enforcing decorum and order in the conduct of parliamentary business.
The Speaker emphasized the critical role of Parliament as the foundation of democracy, highlighting that it should not be a platform for partisan politics or religious fanaticism. He stressed the importance of national interest as the guiding principle for all parliamentarians, urging them to focus on rectifying societal ills rather than engaging in unbecoming conduct. Bagbin urged parliamentarians to leave a legacy that inspires greatness, sets a positive example for young people, and serves as a catalyst for positive change. He proposed the establishment of a “National Integrity Awards” to recognize individuals who exemplify decency, professionalism, and integrity in their respective fields, contrasting these accolades with a “Vulture Award” for those whose actions bring shame and disrepute to the nation. To ensure impartiality, the Speaker suggested that a diverse committee composed of clergy members, academics, and distinguished personalities be formed to assess nominees for the awards.
Bagbin’s call for unity and decorum within Parliament reflects a broader concern for the state of political discourse and conduct in Ghana. His emphasis on integrity and the establishment of awards aimed at recognizing and discouraging certain behaviors underscores the importance of ethical leadership in building a strong and respected nation. The focus on interfaith dialogue and cooperation, as evidenced by the presence of Christian leaders at the prayer meeting, suggests a desire to bridge divides and foster a sense of shared national purpose. The Speaker’s emphasis on the role of youth and the need to inspire them through exemplary leadership suggests a long-term vision for national development that prioritizes the cultivation of responsible and engaged citizens. The recent disturbances alluded to by the speaker highlight the challenges faced by the Ghanaian Parliament in maintaining order and decorum amidst potentially divisive political debates.
Archbishop Nicolas Duncan Williams, the General Overseer of Action Faith Chapel International, delivering the exhortation at the prayer meeting, cautioned against division within the nation, echoing the Speaker’s theme of unity. Drawing on biblical principles, he underscored the need for consensus-building as a cornerstone of national development, emphasizing that a fractured nation cannot prosper. The prayer meeting saw the participation of members of Parliament, parliamentary staff, clergy, and other attendees who offered collective prayers for the leadership of the nation, including President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyeman, and Speaker Bagbin himself. The inclusion of diverse stakeholders in the prayer meeting highlights the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing national challenges and seeking divine guidance for the nation’s leaders.
The gathering, attended by Members of Parliament (MPs), ministers, clergy, and staff of the Parliament Service, served as a platform for collective prayer and reflection on the role of faith in governance. Prominent attendees included Archbishop Nicolas Duncan Williams, Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, Kwaku Asante-Boateng, Ebenezer Djietrior, and representatives from Voices of Democracy. Their presence underscored the significance of the event and the importance attached to spiritual guidance in the conduct of parliamentary affairs. The Speaker’s Prayer meeting, organized by the PCF at the commencement of each parliamentary session, serves as a tradition of dedicating the work of the House to God and seeking divine guidance. This practice underscores the importance of faith and spiritual values in the political and governance processes of Ghana.
The gathering serves as a clear indication of the Parliament’s commitment to seeking divine intervention for national progress. The event not only provided a platform for prayer and reflection but also reinforced the importance of ethical leadership, unity, and integrity in the pursuit of national development. The emphasis on interfaith dialogue and the participation of diverse stakeholders suggest a concerted effort to bridge divides and foster a sense of shared national purpose. The Speaker’s address and the subsequent prayers offered reflect the Parliament’s aspiration to create a “better and stronger” Ghana grounded in spiritual values and guided by a vision of unity and progress. The annual nature of the prayer meeting reinforces the commitment of the Parliament to consistently seek divine guidance and blessings for the nation’s leadership and its people.
