Speaker Bagbin attends Niger’s inauguration of Consultative Council for Rebuilding

The Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin was in Niamey, Niger last Saturday for the inauguration of Niger’s Consultative Council for Rebuilding.

Speaking at the event, Mr Bagbin pledged Ghana's support for Niger in the ongoing efforts to rebuild its political institutions following the recent military takeover.

He said Ghana was ready to share its democratic experience as a reference point for reform.

He conveyed a message of support on behalf of Ghana's Parliament and described the formation of the Council as an important step in restoring public participation in governance.

The council, introduced by Niger’s military authorities is expected to guide the country’s transition back to civilian rule through broad national dialogue.

Drawing parallels between the current situation in Niger and Ghana’s own political transition in the early 1990s, Mr Bagbin noted that Ghana’s return to constitutional rule under former President Jerry John Rawlings followed extensive public consultations that helped re-establish trust and legitimacy.

“As Ghanaians, we have walked a similar path,” Mr Bagbin said. “The strength of our democracy today rests on inclusive dialogue, national unity, and a firm commitment to justice and peace. Niger has taken a courageous step, and we stand ready to share what we have learned.”

He extended an invitation to members of the Nigerien Consultative Council to observe Ghana’s constitutional review process, which is currently in its stakeholder engagement phase. The review is examining matters such as decentralisation, executive authority, and public oversight.

“Our doors are open,” Mr Bagbin added. “We believe in learning from each other as African nations. The road to democracy is not one-size-fits-all, but our experiences can enrich one another.”

He encouraged members of the Council to discharge their mandate with fairness and a sense of public duty, stressing that their work carried the hopes of Nigeriens and the wider West African region.