President of Cote D’Ivoire’s National Assembly Visits Speaker Bagbin.

In a spirited effort to bridge language barriers and enhance Parliamentary Democracy within the African region, Ghana’s Parliament Speaker, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, and the President of the National Assembly of Cote d’Ivoire, His Excellency Adama Bictogo, have pledged to set an exemplary standard for the continent.

This commitment was announced during a courtesy visit by His Excellency Adama Bictogo to Ghana. Following a bilateral meeting, Speaker Bagbin emphasized his influential role as Chairman of the Conference of Speakers, Presidents, and Presiding Officers in Africa. He proposed establishing effective mechanisms to eliminate language barriers and boost trade among African nations.

President Adama Bictogo, who also leads the Conference of Presidents/Speakers of National Assemblies in Francophone countries, highlighted the importance of shared topics to promote education, economic planning, and national transformation. He asserted that cooperation among African nations strengthens them collectively, enabling job creation and economic growth.

Both leaders acknowledged that such parliamentary initiatives must align with the policies of their respective Presidents. President Bictogo invited Speaker Bagbin to address the Ivorian National Assembly in October 2024, while he is slated to address Ghana’s Parliament in January 2025, at Speaker Bagbin’s invitation.

Majority Leader Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin reflected on the longstanding cooperative efforts between Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire, citing the amicable resolution of maritime boundary disputes and fruitful collaboration in the cocoa sector as key successes.

Minority Leader Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson underscored the need to go beyond overcoming language barriers to promote intra-African trade. He pointed out the high cost of shipping goods between African countries compared to shipping to the United States, which hinders regional trade.

The two Speakers agreed to document initiatives aimed at breaking language barriers, ensuring continuity for future Speakers.

The meeting saw participation from leaders of both House Caucuses, Committee Chairmen, Clerk to Parliament Mr. Cyril Kwabena Oteng Nsiah, Deputy Clerk Ebenezer Djietror, and other Parliamentary Service officers.

The two-day official visit by the Ivorian delegation aims to strengthen the bilateral relationship between Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire, contributing positively to Africa’s regional integration and stability.

Key Points:

• Effort to bridge language barriers and enhance Parliamentary Democracy.
• Commitment announced during a courtesy visit by Ivorian President of the National Assembly to Ghana.
• Emphasis on the importance of shared topics for education and economic planning.
• Cooperation among African nations seen as a strength.
• Initiatives to be aligned with respective Presidents’ policies.
• Invitations exchanged for addressing each other’s National Assemblies.
• Reflection on longstanding cooperative efforts between Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire.
• Need to reduce the high cost of intra-African trade.
• Documentation of initiatives to ensure continuity for future Speakers.
• Aim to strengthen bilateral relations and contribute to Africa’s regional integration and stability.