Speaker of Parliament, Alban S.K. Bagbin has urged the Ghanaian public to embrace the 66th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPA) and offer the best Ghanaian hospitality during the event.
The CPA is scheduled to take place from September 30th to October 6th, 2023 at the Accra International Conference.
Over 600 Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff across the Commonwealth are expected to attend and participate in the event.
Speaker Alban Bagbin who also serves as the President of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and President of the Ghana of the Association, expressed his excitement at Ghana playing host to the event stating, “As a nation, we consider it a privilege to host this prestigious conference.”
The 66th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference comes at a significant time for Ghana, marking the 30th anniversary of the country’s Constitution, Parliament, and Fourth Republic.
At a press conference on Thursday, September 28, Speaker Bagbin highlighted this milestone, saying, “This year, we are celebrating the combined 30th anniversary of our Constitution, our Parliament, and our Fourth Republic, marking a remarkable milestone in our journey as a beacon of democracy.”
The chosen theme for the conference, “The Commonwealth Charter 10 years on: Values and Principles for Parliaments to Uphold,” aligns with Ghana’s national sentiment as the country commemorates three decades of parliamentary democracy.
Speaker Bagbin emphasized the importance of upholding Commonwealth values and principles in today’s global landscape.
According to him, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association aims to promote inclusive, representative, and transparent Commonwealth Parliaments and stressed the role of parliamentary diplomacy in addressing challenges and shaping policies that benefit citizens.
Speaker Bagbin provided insight into the history of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, tracing its roots back to the Empire Parliamentary Association in 1948.
Over the years, the CPA has evolved into a vital platform for dialogue and cooperation among member countries.
The 66th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference is set to bring together over 500 Parliamentarians, parliamentary staff, and decision-makers from across the Commonwealth. Key events include workshops on security, human rights, the environment, the economy, gender equality, and other critical topics.
In addition to the main conference, various meetings and conferences are planned, including the 39th CPA Small Branches Conference, gatherings of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) and Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD) networks, the 66th CPA General Assembly, meetings of the CPA Executive Committee, and the 57th Society of Clerks at the Table (SOCATT) meetings.
As President of the Association, Speaker Alban Bagbin will preside over the General Assembly, chair the Elections Committee, and actively participate in the Executive Committee’s deliberations.
Speaker Bagbin called for dedication and collaboration, stating, “Our goal is clear: to transform the 66th CPA conference in Accra into an indelible experience for all attendees, one that leaves lasting imprints and fosters profound collaborations among the
Ghana is eagerly anticipating hosting delegates and participants from the Commonwealth and is ready to showcase its rich hospitality.
