I had the privilege of joining Ghana’s parliamentary delegation in Cape Town, South Africa, for the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, hosted by the Parliament of South Africa and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.
Our delegation was led by the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Bernard Ahiafor, and my participation offered another important opportunity to represent both Builsa North and Ghana in discussions on the future of parliamentary democracy and international cooperation.
This year’s conference was held under a particularly timely theme:
“Strengthening International Law and Parliamentary Democracy in a Changing World Order: Commonwealth Leadership.”
The theme speaks directly to some of the challenges confronting democracies today.
Around the world, geopolitical tensions, changing international relationships, economic pressures, conflicts and emerging threats to democratic institutions are testing the systems and rules that have underpinned international cooperation for decades.
For parliamentarians, these developments raise an important question: how do we ensure that democratic institutions remain strong, representative and responsive in a rapidly changing world?
Learning From One Another
One of the great strengths of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference is the opportunity it provides for parliamentarians from different jurisdictions to learn from one another.
The conference brought together Speakers and Presiding Officers, Members of Parliament, parliamentary officials and governance experts from across the Commonwealth to exchange experiences, examine emerging challenges and share approaches to strengthening democratic governance.
For me, Ghana has an important contribution to make to these conversations.
Our country has accumulated significant experience in constitutional government, competitive elections, parliamentary practice and the peaceful transfer of political power.
We also have much to learn.
Parliamentary democracy is never a finished project. Institutions must continuously adapt, improve and respond to the expectations of the citizens they serve.
Conferences such as this therefore provide an opportunity not only to share Ghana’s experience, but also to bring home ideas and practices that can strengthen our own Parliament.
Parliament in a Changing World
My participation was particularly meaningful at a time when I have assumed the responsibility of Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business in Ghana’s Parliament.
Leadership in Parliament requires more than managing the legislative programme of government. It requires engagement across political divides, respect for parliamentary institutions and a commitment to ensuring that Parliament remains an effective forum for representation, accountability and democratic debate.
The conversations in Cape Town reinforced my belief in the value of parliamentary diplomacy.
Governments conduct diplomacy, but parliaments also have an important role to play in building relationships between nations, strengthening democratic institutions and creating channels for dialogue on issues that cross national borders.
International law, peace and security, climate change, economic development, technology and democratic resilience cannot be addressed effectively by countries acting entirely on their own.
Parliaments must therefore remain part of the international conversation.
Representing Builsa North and Ghana
Whenever I participate in an international engagement such as this, I remain conscious that I am there first and foremost because of the people who entrusted me with the responsibility of representing them.
I carry Builsa North with me.
The experiences of our communities, the aspirations of our young people and the everyday concerns of our citizens are ultimately what give meaning to parliamentary work, whether that work takes place in Sandema, Accra or on an international platform.
It was therefore a privilege to represent my constituency and my country among parliamentary colleagues from across the Commonwealth.
The value of these engagements must ultimately be measured by what we bring back: stronger institutions, better ideas, deeper partnerships and a Parliament that is better equipped to serve the Ghanaian people.
I remain committed to contributing to that work.
Hon. James Agalga
Majority Leader & Leader of Government Business
Member of Parliament for Builsa North