President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has emphasized the critical role of legislative cooperation and democratic governance in addressing Africa’s future challenges and stressed the need for African unity, collective wisdom, and shared purpose in overcoming obstacles facing the continent, from political instability to health crises.
Speaking at the second General Assembly of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL) in Accra, President Akufo-Addo stated that Africa has made significant strides in democratic governance, yet continues to face serious obstacles.
The President noted in a speech delivered on his behalf by Deputy Majority Leader and MP for Asokwa, Patricia Appiagyei, that the movement toward greater freedom, peace, and development has at times been interrupted by violence, health crises, and political instability.
He underscored CoSPAL’s unique role in fostering a pan-African legislative framework, describing it as “not merely an organization but a movement.”
He praised CoSPAL’s potential to unite African legislatures under a shared vision, which he said honours the legacy of African forebears who championed unity and emancipation.
“The vision behind CoSPAL aligns with the enduring ideals of Pan-Africanism. Our forebears, who laid the foundations for African emancipation and unity, understood the power of solidarity.”
“Through CoSPAL, we honor their legacy by ensuring that our governance structures are not isolated but integrated and supportive of a common African identity,” he said.
With legislative leaders from across Africa gathered in Accra to discuss collaborative strategies for democracy, stability, and economic development, President Akufo-Addo pointed to Accra’s historical significance as a symbolic site for this assembly.
He said, “This assembly, held in the heart of Accra—a city steeped in history as the birthplace of African independence and a beacon of democracy—is an essential opportunity to reflect on our progress and chart the path forward.”
Akufo-Addo stressed the importance of a “borderless and boundless approach” to tackling shared challenges, calling for economic integration, free movement of people, and collaborative security and health policies.
“We must strive for a borderless and boundless approach in addressing Africa’s issues. I firmly believe that CoSPAL will achieve remarkable success by promoting legislative practices that transcend national interests and focus on Africa’s collective wellbeing,” he added.
The President also took time to honour notable leaders who contributed to CoSPAL’s establishment, including Nigeria’s Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Ghana’s Hon. Prof. Mike Oquaye, Kenya’s Hon. Tagesse Chaffo, and Rwanda’s H.E. Donatille Mukabalisa, praising their dedication to Africa’s legislative integration.
Expressing confidence in CoSPAL’s future, he commended the leadership of Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, for his commitment to CoSPAL’s mission.
“The work we do here today will shape the future of Africa—let us do so with vision, with courage, and with unwavering resolve,” he stated, encouraging the attendees to remain committed to the ideals of democracy, Pan-Africanism, and unity for the collective benefit of Africa.