The 2nd Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Andrew Amoako Asiamah, has called on African nations to strengthen unity and cooperation in protecting family values, cultural heritage, and national sovereignty.
Africa, he said, must take ownership of its future by developing solutions that reflect the continent’s unique cultural traditions and societal values.
Speaking at the opening of the 4th African Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values on Wednesday in Parliament, Mr. Amoako Asiamah stressed that the conference presents an opportunity for African leaders to move beyond dialogue and adopt concrete measures that safeguard the institution of the family.
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According to him, the conference theme, “Consolidating Parliamentary Consensus: Advancing the African Charter on Family Sovereignty and Values,” reflects the need for a unified continental approach to policy development and legislative action.
“The time has come for Africa to consolidate its collective voice and establish frameworks that will guide future generations while preserving the values that define our societies,” he said.
The 2nd Deputy Speaker noted that the conference builds on discussions held during the previous three editions in Uganda, where delegates laid the foundation for an African Charter on Family Sovereignty and Values.
He explained that the proposed charter provides a common framework for addressing emerging challenges facing African families, including technological transformation, migration, changing social norms, and external influences on cultural practices.
The Second Deputy Speaker described the family as the cornerstone of every society, arguing that strong family structures contribute to stable communities, effective governance, and sustainable development.
“When the family is strong, society flourishes. When the family is weakened, the consequences are felt across every sector, from education to governance and social development,” he stated.
He emphasized that African countries must remain vigilant in preserving their cultural identities while embracing modern development.
Citing the words of Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Mr. Amoako Asiamah said African challenges require African solutions founded on unity and collaboration among nations.
He also referred to former Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere’s vision of continental unity, describing it as essential for ensuring that Africa maintains its voice and dignity on the global stage.
The legislator urged parliamentarians to use their law-making powers to promote policies that strengthen family systems and preserve cultural values.
“Parliament is where the aspirations of the people are translated into law. We have a responsibility to ensure that our legislation reflects the values and priorities of our societies,” he said.
The 2nd Deputy Speaker stressed the importance of engaging young people in conversations about the future of Africa, urging them to combine educational excellence with strong moral and cultural foundations.
Africa’s future, he said, depends on a generation that is globally competitive while remaining committed to the values of responsibility, discipline, integrity, and service.
The conference is expected to deliberate on issues including family systems, marriage, value-based education, youth development, artificial intelligence, digital governance, and the implementation of the proposed African Charter on Family Sovereignty and Values.
Mr. Amoako Asiamah expressed confidence that the Accra gathering would strengthen continental cooperation and help build consensus around policies that promote family stability and protect Africa’s cultural heritage.
He encouraged participants to engage openly and constructively throughout the conference, expressing hope that the outcomes would contribute to a stronger, more united, and values-driven Africa.