The Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has renewed calls for increased youth participation in governance and decision-making, stressing that a truly democratic society must create opportunities for young people and other underrepresented groups to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Speaking through the First Deputy Speaker, Hon Bernard Ahiafor, at the launch of the Parliament & You Educational Series at Parliament House in Accra, Mr. Bagbin underscored Parliament’s commitment to promoting civic engagement among children and young people in line with the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
“No society can be truly democratic and participatory without creating meaningful opportunities for the underrepresented to be heard and involved,” Mr. Ahiafor said on behalf of the Speaker.
“That is why Parliament is committed to using every available platform to amplify the voices of the underrepresented, especially young people.”
He noted that Parliament has a responsibility to nurture informed and engaged citizens through sustained civic education, adding that children must be recognised as active partners in shaping the country’s future.
According to him, creating platforms for young people to express their views and understand governance structures is essential for strengthening Ghana’s democracy.
The Parliament & You initiative, a partnership between Parliament and Graphic Communications Group Limited through its Junior Graphic publication, will serve as a weekly educational platform designed to make parliamentary proceedings easier for children to understand.
The column will feature stories, illustrations, quizzes and other interactive content aimed at promoting civic awareness among young readers.
Under a memorandum of understanding signed between Parliament and Graphic Communications Group Limited, the publication is expected to reach at least 50,000 children across the country every week.
The Majority Leader, Hon Mahama Ayariga, encouraged students to cultivate an interest in leadership, governance and national development from an early age.
He commended Parliament and Graphic Communications for introducing an innovative platform that makes parliamentary education more engaging and accessible to children.
“This initiative will help raise a generation of informed citizens who understand governance and their role in national development,” he said, while announcing a personal contribution of GH¢200,000 to support the programme.
The Minority Leader, Hon Alexander Afenyo-Markin, described the launch as a significant milestone in Parliament’s efforts to deepen public engagement and make democratic governance more accessible.
He noted that initiatives such as breakfast forums and other open-parliament programmes demonstrate Parliament’s determination to keep democracy relevant and inclusive.
“We must continue to bring Parliament closer to the people and ensure that every Ghanaian feels connected to the democratic process,” he said, pledging GH¢100,000 towards the initiative.
In a further boost to the programme, the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations donated 25 laptop computers to be awarded as prizes to competition winners over the first two years of implementation.
The donation is expected to encourage participation and support learning among students.
The Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, praised the work of Parliament’s Department of Public Engagement, revealing that its Educational Visitors’ Programme has directly engaged more than 44,000 students nationwide since its inception.
He expressed confidence that initiatives such as the Mini Parliament and Parliament & You would further strengthen civic education, deepen democratic awareness and foster a stronger connection between Parliament and Ghana’s younger generation.
“The future of our democracy depends on how well we educate and empower the next generation. These initiatives are helping to ensure that young people understand Parliament and appreciate their role in shaping Ghana’s future,” Mr. Djietror said.
Source: expressnewsghana.com