PNAfrica Launches National Mock Parliament to Boost Youth Participation in Governance

Parliamentary Network Africa (PNAfrica), a civil society organization focused on parliamentary development, has launched a National Mock Parliament aimed at engaging students from tertiary institutions and the youth in general.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance civic participation among young people and women in Ghana.

The Programmes Manager of PNAfrica, Mr. Gilbert Borketey Boyefio, emphasized that the mock parliament is designed to reenergize the youth towards active participation in national development.

Speaking at the launch in Accra, Mr. Boyefio highlighted the importance of the initiative, noting that it offers young people a unique opportunity to experience and understand the workings of Ghana’s Parliament.

The mock parliament, he explained, allows students to simulate parliamentary proceedings, thereby equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary for future roles in governance.

“This initiative is part of a larger project aimed at enhancing the civic participation of youth and women in Ghana. The mock parliament will serve as a platform for young people to mimic the roles and responsibilities of members of Parliament, providing them with practical training that no formal school currently offers,” Mr. Boyefio said.

He added that the mock parliament would replace the void left by the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), which he described as having collapsed due to political interference. PNAfrica aims to create a unified platform for various youth groups, including student parliaments and youth parliaments, to come together and deliberate on issues of national importance.

Bringing Youth Voices to the Forefront

The National Mock Parliament brings together representatives from student parliaments across the country, the National Youth Authority’s youth parliament, and other youth bodies with parliamentary-like structures. This collaborative approach ensures that all participants, regardless of their affiliations, have a voice in the discussions.

**MR GIBERT BORKETEY BORYEFIO, ADDRESSING THE MOCK PARLIAMENT**

One of the key topics for discussion is the implementation of the recently passed Affirmative Action Bill. The mock parliament will provide a platform for the youth to offer their perspectives on how the law should be implemented once it receives presidential assent. Mr. Boryefio noted that the recommendations and suggestions from the youth would be communicated to the relevant authorities for consideration.

Training and Advocacy

The program commenced with a series of training sessions aimed at empowering the participants. These sessions covered parliamentary practices and procedures, as well as the use of social media for advocacy. Mr. Boryefio stressed the importance of channelling the energy and enthusiasm of the youth into constructive national discourse, rather than allowing them to fall into negative behaviours often observed in the national Parliament, such as unnecessary opposition and heckling.

“Our goal is to teach them the value of consensus-building and constructive debate, which are essential for the progress of any nation. We want them to focus on what benefits the country, not on political divisions,” he explained.

Looking Ahead

PNAfrica plans to continue supporting the participants even after they return to their respective campuses. The organization aims to help these young leaders channel their efforts towards national development and to create a more vibrant and independent youth voice in Ghana’s political landscape.

Mr. Boryefio urged the youth to prioritize the future of Ghana in the upcoming elections and cautioned against being used for violence or engaging in unlawful acts, emphasizing that the decisions made today will shape the country for generations to come.

The National Mock Parliament features speakers from various student parliaments across Ghana’s tertiary institutions, all united under a common goal of fostering a brighter future for the nation.

Elisha Supiir Npoangnan, the newly elected Speaker of the National Mock Parliament, expressed his gratitude and the weight of responsibility that comes with his role. “It is a serious and great privilege to serve as the first Speaker of this House,” Npoangnan said. “This platform provides us with the opportunity to propel national topics to the highest level. Our goal is to champion the ideas and concerns of the youth, particularly on issues like the Gender Equality Bill.”

**RT Hon Speaker Elisha Supiir sworn in by Justice Adongo, the Justice of the Student Judicial Council**

Npoangnan emphasized the importance of continuing the work beyond the parliamentary session, saying, “When we return to our localities, we will continue to engage and educate stakeholders on these critical issues. We are fully committed to supporting this national agenda.”

Justice Alor, the Majority Leader, highlighted the significance of the day’s discussions, particularly the debate on the Affirmative Action Bill, which is nearing presidential assent. “We live in a world where marginalization and discrimination persist,” Alor stated. “It is crucial for us as young people to ensure that this bill becomes law and that it is implemented effectively. Today’s session was not just about practice; it was about providing practical implementation suggestions that could help realize the full potential of this agenda.”

Alor called on young Ghanaians to take an active role in shaping the country’s future. “We must take inspiration from leaders like Kofi Annan, who reminded us that tomorrow depends on us. Our involvement in decision-making processes, from our homes to our schools and beyond, is essential for the progress of our nation.”

The Mock Parliament, which includes representatives from student parliaments across various universities such as the University of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Wisconsin International University College and Takoradi Technical University, as well as the National Youth Authority, served as an invaluable experience for all participants. The session provided a platform for students to not only debate national issues, but also to learn parliamentary practices and procedures.

**Clerk to parliament and clerks at table during the election of the Speaker**

On his part, Prosper Dyon Akoto, the Minority Leader, underscored the need for continued advocacy and education on the Affirmative Action Bill. “We are empowering all student speakers and national youth parliamentarians to return to their constituents with the message of affirmative action. This is not just about passing a law; it’s about ensuring that the law has a tangible impact on the people it is meant to serve.”

Akoto further mentioned plans to extend outreach efforts to basic schools, advocating and educating younger students on the importance of affirmative action and how they can seek support when needed. “Empowering the next generation to speak out and understand their rights is crucial for making the Affirmative Action Bill a practical reality for all Ghanaians,” he concluded.

The National Mock Parliament is part of a broader initiative by PNAfrica to enhance civic participation among Ghana’s youth, providing them with the tools and platforms necessary to engage meaningfully in the country’s governance.