Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has emphasized the need for Ghana and Ivory Coast to overcome language barriers and build bridges to strengthen their common interests.

He highlighted that the two nations are not only geographical neighbours but also historically related, with shared people and cultures, making the need for unity crucial.

According to Speaker Bagbin,   efforts are being made to turn borders and barriers into bridges of cooperation and to ensure that both nations become bilingual within the next ten years.

He pointed out that business is often conducted in local languages rather than in English or French and to facilitate communication, Ghana’s Parliament has introduced simultaneous translation services, allowing members to speak in their local languages while providing translations into other languages.

Speaker Bagbin and Speaker Adama

Rt Hon Bagbin made these remarks during a press briefing following a courtesy call by the President of the National Assembly of Côte d’Ivoire, His Excellency Adama Bictogo, on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Accra.

“We have looked also at bilateral issues between our country and our brotherly nation Côte d’Ivoire, we stressed the need for an early action to turn our borders and barriers into bridges of cooperation. We also looked at how we could, within a matter of ten years, eliminate the language barrier, and therefore we put some action in place to ensure that in the next ten years we are both bilinguals.  After all, our people actually don’t transact business in English or French, they do it in the local languages, and therefore as we did in our Parliament, with our new standard orders, we allow the Members of Parliament to speak in their local languages, and we are putting in place simultaneous translation, so you speak your local language and it’s in Spanish, and now after we dissolve the barrier it will be translated into both English and French,” Speaker Bagbin said.

He added that, as Chairman of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents in Africa, he is well-positioned to advocate for mechanisms to eliminate language barriers and promote common trade within African countries.

Bagbin underscored the importance of strengthening person-to-person relationships, beyond just connections between presidents or speakers. He emphasized the role of parliaments in representing the people and fostering these relationships.

He recounted the historical ties between Ghana and Ivory Coast, particularly focusing on the Nzema tribe, and stressed the importance of bilateral discussions to improve relations. He also emphasized the need for systems to ensure free, fair, peaceful, and credible elections, aiming to sustain multiparty democracy.

“But currently what concerns both of us, which we discussed, was how to ensure that in both countries,  we put in place a system to ensure free, fair, peaceful and credible elections. We want to ensure that we actually continue and sustain multiparty democracy in our countries,” he said.

Speaker Bagbin further assured that the initiatives undertaken by the two speakers would be documented for future parliamentarians to build upon, aiming to break language barriers across the African region for the common good of its citizens.

The two Speakers address the media

Both speakers, holds key positions in their respective parliamentary conferences and are ideally situated to lead the integration efforts across the continent.

On his part, H.E. Adama Bictogo emphasized the necessity for African countries to share strategies that promote education, economic planning, and agricultural transformation.

He highlighted the importance of cooperation in covering weaknesses with collective strengths and creating jobs, especially for the youth.

He also invited Rt. Hon. Speaker Alban Bagbin to address the National Assembly of Côte d’Ivoire in October when the House resumes.

The three-day official visit by the Ivorian delegation, including members of the National Assembly, is expected to strengthen and deepen the relationship between the two countries, contributing positively to Africa’s regional integration and stability.

Present at the meeting were the Majority Leader and Minority Leader, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin and Hon. Cassiel Ato Forson, respectively, along with other leaders from both caucuses of the House, the Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Cyril Kwabena Oteng Nsiah, Deputy Clerk Ebenezer Djeitror, Directors, and Officers of the Parliamentary Service.

Editorial Commentary

In a historic initiative, the Speakers of Parliament from Ghana and Ivory Coast met in Accra to foster stronger bilateral relations and lay the groundwork for a prosperous future. The meeting focused on breaking barriers, building bridges, and cementing the future, reflecting the core objectives of this strategic dialogue.

This initiative demonstrates the commitment of both countries to overcome historical and contemporary challenges and harness their shared potential for mutual benefit. Discussions included enhancing trade relations, promoting cultural exchanges, and fostering peaceful elections and parliamentary transition.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to cementing the future through sustained efforts and strategic partnerships. Both speakers had closed-door discussions and outlined a roadmap for ongoing cooperation, including setting up committees to monitor and evaluate progress.

The special meeting between the Speakers in Accra marks a significant milestone in their relationship. By breaking barriers, building bridges, and cementing the future, both countries have set a course towards a more integrated, peaceful, and prosperous West Africa.

 

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Source: Felix Nyaaba // expressnewsghana.com

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