The Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has encouraged the Republic of Niger to take cues from Ghana’s current constitutional reform efforts as it works towards restoring democratic governance and rebuilding state institutions.
Speaking at the formal inauguration of Niger’s newly established Conseil Consultatif de la Refondation du Niger (Consultative Council for Rebuilding Niger), Mr. Bagbin underscored the importance of inclusive governance, national dialogue, and public participation in democratic renewal. He applauded Niger’s commitment to national dialogue and urged its new consultative council to engage with Ghana’s ongoing constitutional review process for valuable insights.
“Ghana has consistently embraced consultation, dialogue, and consensus-building as fundamental principles of governance,” Bagbin stated. He suggested that Niger’s council consider observing Ghana’s Constitutional Review Committee in session and explore avenues for shared learning and cooperation.
Ghana’s constitutional review, currently being championed by President John Dramani Mahama, is aimed at modernising the 1992 Constitution to align with evolving democratic expectations. Key areas of reform include reducing the concentration of executive power, improving institutional checks and balances, and promoting greater civic participation in governance processes.
Bagbin emphasized the importance of cross-border learning, particularly among African countries recovering from political upheaval. He cited Ghana’s own democratic evolution, achieved through broad-based reforms and citizen engagement, as a potential roadmap for nations in transition.
Reflecting on Niger’s recent steps towards national reconciliation, which led to the formation of the consultative body, Bagbin remarked that such initiatives demonstrate the power of unity and inclusiveness in fostering national legitimacy.
He also highlighted shared regional challenges such as youth unemployment, climate threats, and security instability, noting that collaboration between nations like Ghana and Niger is essential for tackling these issues.
“As neighbours in West Africa, Ghana and Niger face similar trials. Our collective strength lies in unity, mutual learning, and cooperation,” he concluded.
