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The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has urged members of the Commonwealth Parliament to vigorously pursue the fundamental principles and values enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter. He emphasized that these principles should serve as the foundation for building just, inclusive, and prosperous societies for the people within the Commonwealth.
President Akufo-Addo stressed the importance of translating values such as good governance, the rule of law, protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms, promotion of international peace and security, and environmental protection into tangible and measurable outcomes that ensure human security.
Addressing the 66th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Accra on October 4, 2023, with the theme “Commonwealth Charter, 10 Years On: Values and Principles for Parliament to Uphold,” President Akufo-Addo called upon Commonwealth legislators to view the conference as a unique opportunity to assess the progress made in upholding the values and principles outlined in the Commonwealth Charter over the past decade.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by member states in their democratic journeys over the last ten years, he emphasized that these challenges not only test their commitment to the principles of the Commonwealth Charter but also question the effective application of these principles in meeting the needs and aspirations of citizens.
President Akufo-Addo stressed the importance of making democracy meaningful to the citizens by delivering tangible developmental outcomes such as quality healthcare, education, affordable housing, and opportunities for personal growth.
Concerning security issues, he highlighted the threat of terrorism and violent extremism in neighboring countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. He called for coordinated efforts, including strong legislation to curb the illegal movement of firearms across borders and impose heavy sanctions on offenders.
On the environment, President Akufo-Addo expressed concern about environmental degradation and climate change. He commended global efforts to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources and urged member countries to invest in renewable energy infrastructure, provide incentives for clean energy production, and set targets to reduce carbon emissions.
President Akufo-Addo called for international cooperation in sharing technology and best practices to support global efforts for a sustainable environment.
Addressing issues of hegemony by larger nations, he called for the promotion of peace and the resolution of conflicts based on established principles of international law. He also advocated for the reversal of unconstitutional changes in government across Africa and called for the release of the democratically elected President of Niger.
Finally, President Akufo-Addo urged the Commonwealth to add its voice to the need for reform of global governance institutions, including the United Nations, to make them more representative and reflective of contemporary realities. He also mentioned the issue of reparations for descendants of victims of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and the need for European nations to acknowledge their role in this dark
chapter of history.
He expressed hope that the conference would provide a platform for reflection on past achievements, thoughtful discussions on present challenges, and a path forward in realizing the hopes and aspirations of citizens under the noble goals of the Charter.
Source: Omanghana.com
