The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has lauded the inauguration of Niger’s Consultative Council for Rebuilding as a bold stride towards inclusive governance and regional rejuvenation.
Delivering a keynote address at the weekend ceremony in Niamey, Mr. Bagbin pledged Ghana’s unwavering support for Niger’s quest to reshape its governance architecture through national dialogue and grassroots involvement.
Addressing the distinguished audience that included Niger’s Prime Minister, H.E. Mahama Lamine Zeini; the President of the Consultative Council, Dr Mamoudu Harouna Djingarey; ministers of state; traditional and spiritual leaders; diplomats; and media stakeholders; Mr. Bagbin congratulated the people of Niger on what he termed “a significant milestone” in the pursuit of people-led nation-building.
“On behalf of H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, and the brotherly people of Ghana, I extend warmest congratulations to our dear brothers and sisters of Niger,” the Speaker declared. “This council stands as a true symbol of unity and a profound expression of your people’s aspiration for participatory governance.”
Mr. Bagbin, who was accompanied by a high-level delegation including Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Chairperson of Ghana’s Parliamentary Committee on Security and Intelligence, emphasised that Niger’s new council mirrors Ghana’s historical path under the leadership of the late President Jerry John Rawlings.
Ghana’s transition to constitutional democracy in the early 1990s was shaped by a similar consultative process, engaging all strata of society.
Highlighting the regional dimension of Niger’s transformation, the Speaker reiterated Ghana’s solidarity with member states of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in the collective fight against terrorism, underdevelopment, and disunity.
He conveyed President Mahama’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and technical cooperation, noting the appointment of a Special Envoy to the AES bloc as a strategic gesture of support.
“Our historical and blood ties demand that we work together to defeat terrorism and enhance trade. Ghana identifies with the sacrifices and resilience of the people of Niger,” he said.
In a notable gesture of cross-learning, Speaker Bagbin invited Niger’s Consultative Council to observe Ghana’s ongoing constitutional review process.
He underscored that sustainable reform is rooted not in imposition but in the collective wisdom of diverse voices, reflecting shared experiences and future aspirations.
“Lasting reforms emerge not from isolation but from inclusive conversations,” he noted, hailing Niger’s national dialogue as “a beautiful example” of the democratic ethos that West Africa must uphold.
Drawing from his 33 years of experience in Ghana’s legislature, Mr. Bagbin offered words of counsel to the council’s newly inaugurated members.
He urged them to lead with integrity, justice and a sense of duty to the wider Sahel region’s youth and future generations.
“You bear not only the hopes of millions of Nigeriens but also the dreams of the sub-region. Let your deliberations be guided by wisdom, your decisions by justice, and your actions by the common good.”
Concluding with a poetic appeal to shared destiny, Speaker Bagbin reaffirmed Ghana’s readiness to accompany Niger on its journey of refoundation.
He expressed confidence that the Council would serve as a model for inclusive state-building, setting a precedent for other African nations navigating the path to renewal.
“May this Consultative Council serve as a beacon of hope—not only for Niger, but for our entire continent,” he declared. “Through dialogue, shared purpose and mutual coexistence, we can build institutions that truly serve our people and secure a brighter future.”
The ceremony closed with Mr. Bagbin’s stirring invocation of African unity, blessing not only Niger and Ghana but also Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, and the enduring bonds of fraternity among West African nations.
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