The Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has urged a significant strengthening of the partnership between the Church and the Legislature to effectively address several pressing national issues. Speaking during a courtesy call by the Pan African Clergy Council, the Speaker commended the Council for its consistent collaboration with Parliament in promoting the ethical and moral values that are foundational to Ghana’s national development. He underscored the critical need for coordinated action to combat rising lawlessness, indiscipline, and the escalating effects of illegal mining—a crisis known locally as “galamsey.” Speaker Bagbin emphasized that only through combined efforts can discipline be reinforced and social cohesion be successfully restored across the country.
In his address on legislative matters, Speaker Bagbin provided an update on a high-profile bill, announcing that the bipartisan Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, widely referred to as the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, has been successfully reintroduced after having lapsed with the conclusion of the previous Parliament. He expressed confidence that the controversial legislation is projected to be passed early next year. Additionally, the Speaker highlighted Parliament’s new initiative, the National Integrity Award Scheme. This scheme is designed to formally recognize individuals who exemplify integrity in public life while simultaneously serving to expose instances of misconduct that undermine the integrity and effectiveness of the House.
Responding to the Speaker’s call for collaboration, the Pan African Clergy Council also pressed Parliament to intensify its work on several critical national challenges. The Council specifically urged the Legislature to prioritize and strengthen its efforts in tackling pervasive issues, including endemic corruption, the environmental degradation caused by illegal mining, and various other social challenges currently facing Ghanaian society. The exchange reiterated the shared goal of both the legislative body and the religious community to promote good governance and moral rectitude for the benefit of the nation.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
