Speaker pledges support to Niger’s democratic efforts
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has pledged the commitment of Ghana to support Niger in its quest to restore democracy and its nation-rebuilding efforts.
“You will never walk alone. We are with you throughout. Whether through the sharing of experiences, technical cooperation or continued diplomatic engagement, we remain committed to strengthening the ties that unite our peoples,” he stated.
He was speaking at the inauguration of Niger's Consultative Council for Rebuilding Niger in the capital, Niamey. He was accompanied by Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Chairperson of the Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliament.
Consultation
The Speaker said Ghana had always believed in the power of consultation, collaboration, dialogue and consensus-building in governance.
“Currently, Ghana, under President Mahama, is undertaking a review of our 1992 Constitution. I propose that the Consultative Council take an interest in the Constitutional Review process underway in Ghana and possibly send observers to the sittings of the Constitutional Review Committee and share experiences and opinions.
Mr Bagbin urged members of the Council to undertake their mandate with the knowledge that “you bear the hopes, aspirations and dreams, not only of millions of Nigeriens, but also of the people, particularly the youth of the whole sub-region.”
He entreated the Council to let their “deliberations be guided by wisdom, your decisions by justice and your actions by the common good.”
Protect
Mr Bagbin said President John Mahama reiterates Ghana’s support for Nigeriens and other Alliance of Sahel States (AES) countries in their quest to protect their citizenry from the terrorism menace that currently confronts the sub-region.
“Our historical and blood ties demand that we work together to defeat terrorism and enhance trade,” he said.
He said the appointment of a Special Envoy to the AES by President Mahama underscored that commitment, saying that “Ghana acknowledges, identifies and empathises with the sacrifices and resilience of the people of Niger, during the challenges after July 26, 2023.”
Collective engagement
Mr Bagbin congratulated Nigeriens for the significant milestone in the nation's quest to rely on the collective engagement of the people, to determine the future direction of Niger.
He said the establishment of the Consultative Council represented more than an institutional innovation.
“It actually embodies the aspiration of the people of Niger for meaningful engagement towards participatory governance,” he said, stressing that the Council stood as "a true symbol of unity for the Nigerien people."
Mr Bagbin said the bonds between Ghana and Niger ran deep, “rooted in our blood relations, shared history, common challenges and mutual aspirations for justice, peace and prosperity.”
As the world witnessed Niger's commitment to rebuilding, Mr Bagbin reminded Nigeriens that nation building was a continuous journey of hard work in motion, an unending journey of renewal and improvement.
