By Elsie Appiah-Osei 

Accra, June 27, GNA— The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mr Bernard Ahiafor, Friday inaugurated the 42 Parliamentary Friendship Associations of Ghana’s Ninth Parliament. The inauguration marked a milestone in the country’s commitment to parliamentary democracy and international collaborations.  

“The inauguration marks a significant step towards a more connected and influential parliament on the global stage.  

“This is why the inauguration of the earlier Management Committee is so critical. It must not only exist in name but must be driven by action and focus on results,” he said.  

Speaking at the inauguration on the Floor of the House, Mr Ahiafor emphasized that the formation of these associations was crucial in enhancing parliamentary diplomacy, promoting peace, expanding trade, and encouraging cultural exchanges with sister parliamentary associations worldwide.   

“We don’t just want to see the association inaugurated. We want to see reports from the association presented on the floor of Parliament, indicating that they are actively working,” he said.  

The First Deputy Speaker outlined that the Parliamentary Friendship Associations aimed to promote people-to-people diplomacy where parliamentarians across borders exchanged ideas and collaborated on shared challenges.  

“Fostering legislative cooperation to promote policy dialogue, trade promotion, cultural exchange, and capacity-building efforts, as well as advancing national interests to deepen Ghana’s relationships with international partners and advance national interests, are other aims,” he said.  

Mr Ahiafor urged the Members of Parliament (MPs) to take ownership by seeing membership in the Associations as a call to action, responsibility, and privilege.  

He also encouraged the legislators to engage in activities that yielded tangible benefits for Ghana and partner countries, aligning with national priorities and global development goals.  

“Honourable members, I encourage you to foster innovation and creativity within the associations, leveraging expertise and networks of members,” he advised.  

Mr Habib Iddrisu, the First Deputy Minority Whip, encouraged MPs to work together as members and partners in friendship associations to strengthen bilateral ties and promote mutual understanding through parliamentary diplomacy.  

“Foster cooperation and collaborative problem-solving on global challenges, and work towards a future of collaboration, mutual prosperity, and enduring peace.  

“Together, we can harness the potential of parliamentary friendship associations to promote global cooperation, peace, and development,” Mr Iddrisu said.  

Mr Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader, urged MPs to commit to building and strengthening friendship associations, promoting parliamentary diplomacy, and advancing national interests.  

He also called for the utilization of friendship associations to promote legislative cooperation, exchange best practices, and address global challenges.  

“By working together, we can harness the potential of parliamentary friendship associations to promote global cooperation, diplomacy, and development,” he said.  

The Clerk to Parliament, Mr Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, said the Parliamentary Friendship Associations were essential instruments of cooperation and shared progress.   

He explained that the Associations offered a meaningful platform for peer learning, mutual support, and collective action among legislators across borders.   

“By embracing these associations, parliaments can strengthen their capacity to serve their citizens, promote democratic excellence, and contribute to a more peaceful and prosperous world,” he said.  

GNA  

Christian Akorlie