Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has declared that Africa is entering a new era of cultural and legislative self-determination following the adoption of the African Charter on Family, Sovereignty and Values.
In his closing remarks on Friday at the end of the 4th African Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values, he described the conference as a historic gathering that had answered a summons from history and produced a united African response to what participants described as growing threats to the continent’s cultural identity and family values.
“We have forged and adopted the African Charter on Family, Sovereignty, and Values. Let the word go forth from this sacred chamber to every corner of the globe: Africa has spoken, and she will no longer be spoken for,” he declared.
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The speech was delivered on his behalf by the 2nd Deputy Speaker and conference organizing Chairman, Andrew Amoako Asiamah.
Mr. Bagbin praised President John Dramani Mahama for his support of the conference and acknowledged the participation of Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, who represented the President at the event.
He paid tribute to conference organizers, parliamentary leaders, traditional rulers, religious authorities, civil society groups, youth representatives, and delegates from across the continent for their commitment throughout the three-day gathering.
Drawing inspiration from Ghana’s first President, the Speaker argued that political independence alone is insufficient without the protection of Africa’s cultural identity and moral foundations.
“Political independence is an empty shell unless it is defended by the total sovereignty of our culture and moral values,” he said.
According to him, modern threats to Africa’s family systems are no longer imposed through force but through what he described as ideological pressure, cultural conditionalities, and attempts to reshape African social values.
He urged African governments and legislatures to resist external influences that seek to undermine traditional family structures and indigenous moral principles.
“The inheritance our forebears placed in our hands is not for sale, and no measure of gold can purchase the soul of our people,” he stated.
Alban Bagbin challenged Speakers of Parliament and legislative leaders across Africa to demonstrate courage in defending the values and aspirations of their citizens, insisting that leadership requires prioritizing national interests over external pressures.
He called on participating countries to domesticate the newly adopted charter through legislation and public policy, emphasizing that the protection of family values should become a shared continental responsibility.
“The charter we have adopted today is not a passive document to be buried in archives. It is a covenant and a proclamation of legislative emancipation,” he said.
Speaker Bagbin expressed optimism about Africa’s future, urging delegates to return to their countries with renewed commitment to defending sovereignty, family values, and cultural identity.
“Let us march forward united in purpose, fierce in our conviction, and unshakable in our sovereignty. Africa is born anew. Our family is secure. Our values are non-negotiable,” he stressed.