Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has called on African countries to remain committed to protecting their family values, cultural identity and sovereignty as they work towards sustainable development and progress.
Mr. Debrah made the remarks when he represented President John Dramani Mahama at the opening of the 4th Inter-Parliamentary Conference on African Family Values and Sovereignty held in Accra.
The conference was held under the theme, “Consolidating Parliamentary Consensus: Advancing the African Charter on Family Values and Sovereignty,” and brought together parliamentary leaders, traditional authorities, faith-based organisations and delegates from across the African continent.
Addressing participants, Mr. Debrah stressed that the strength of African nations should not be measured only by economic growth and technological advancement, but also by the values they uphold and the institutions they build.
“the strength of our nations lies not only in economic growth and technological advancement but also in the values we uphold, the institutions we strengthen, and the confidence with which we define our own path,” he stated.
He urged African countries to remain committed to preserving their cultural heritage and strengthening family systems while pursuing development goals.
“As Africans, we must remain committed to protecting our cultural identity, strengthening our families, and ensuring that our sovereignty is reflected in practical outcomes that improve the lives of our people,” he added.
Mr. Debrah also highlighted the need to create opportunities for young people, strengthen economies and build institutions capable of delivering long-term progress across the continent.
According to him, true sovereignty is demonstrated through the ability of governments to address the needs of their citizens and shape their future based on their own aspirations.
“The ultimate expression of sovereignty is our ability to solve the challenges facing our citizens and to shape our future according to our own aspirations,” he said.
He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to promoting dialogue, strengthening parliamentary cooperation and advancing policies that support African values and self-determination.
“As host of this important conference, Ghana remains committed to fostering dialogue, strengthening parliamentary consensus, and advancing an Africa that is rooted in its values, confident in its identity, and master of its own destiny,” Mr. Debrah stated.
He concluded by urging Africans to take charge of the continent’s future, saying, “The future of Africa will not be written for us; it will be written by us.”
Source: Mubarak Yakubu
