NIAMEY, Niger – – The Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has commended the government and people of Niger for taking a step forward in their journey of rebuilding after a military coup d’état on 26 July 2023 that overthrew the civilian government and suspended that country’s constitution. As the President of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures, Mr. Bagbin was invited as a special guest for the inauguration of Niger’s Consultative Council for Refoundation /Rebuilding at its capital of Niamey. The speaker was honoured by the invitation and reiterated President Mahama’s commitment of Ghana’s support to the Republic of Niger as well as the other countries belonging to the Alliance of Sahel States “in their quest to protect their citizenry from the criminal terrorism menace that currently confronts us in our sub region”.
He said, “Our historical and blood ties demand that we work together to defeat terrorism and enhance trade. The appointment of a Special Envoy to the AES by President John Dramani Mahama underscores this commitment. Ghana acknowledges, identifies and empathizes with the sacrifices and resilience of the people of Niger, during the challenges after 26 July 2023.”
He reminded the gathering of the deep bonds between Ghana and Niger that are rooted in blood relations, shared history, common challenges and mutual aspirations for justice, peace and prosperity. Therefore, as the Nigeriens set off on the path of nation building they should be committed to the process noting that Ghana just like Niger is engaged in a continuous nation building exercise as well. The Speaker was accompanied by the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Select-Committee on Security and Intelligence and Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings. He also invited the Nigeriens to take interest in the ongoing constitutional review process in Ghana that they can use the lessons learned in their own journey of nation building and urged the members of the consultative council to be guided by wisdom and justice while they carry the hopes, aspirations and dreams of not only all Nigerians, but also of the people, particularly the youth of the whole sub-region.