Accra, Ghana – The Parliamentary Network Africa (PNAfrica), a leading civil society organization committed to parliamentary development across the continent, has officially launched its National Mock Parliament. This groundbreaking initiative is designed to boost youth participation in governance by providing students from tertiary institutions with a unique platform to experience and understand the workings of Parliament.
The launch event, held in Accra from Monday, August 26 to Wednesday, August 27,2024, saw the participation of young leaders from various student parliaments, the National Youth Authority’s Youth Parliament, and other youth bodies with parliamentary-like structures. These groups will come together to simulate parliamentary proceedings, debate national issues, and offer practical solutions to some of the country’s most pressing challenges.
Reinvigorating Youth Participation
Speaking at the event, Mr. Gilbert Borketey Boyefio, Programmes Manager of PNAfrica, emphasized the critical need to reenergize Ghana’s youth towards active participation in national development. He described the mock parliament as a key component of PNAfrica’s broader efforts to enhance civic participation among young people and women.
“This initiative offers young people a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the parliamentary process, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary for future leadership roles in governance. It’s about filling the void left by the collapse of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) and creating a unified platform for various youth groups to engage meaningfully in national discourse,” Mr. Boyefio stated.
A Collaborative Platform for National Dialogue
The National Mock Parliament aims to bring diverse youth voices to the forefront of national discussions. One of the key topics for debate is the implementation of the recently passed Affirmative Action Bill. Mr. Boyefio noted that the suggestions and recommendations from the youth would be communicated to the relevant authorities, ensuring that their voices are heard at the highest levels.
In his remarks, the newly elected Speaker of the National Mock Parliament, Elisha Supiir Npoangnan, expressed his commitment to using the platform to champion the ideas and concerns of the youth. “This is a serious responsibility, and it’s a great privilege to serve as the first Speaker of this House. Our goal is to propel national topics to the highest level and ensure that the youth have a say in shaping Ghana’s future,” Npoangnan said.
Training and Advocacy
The launch event also featured training sessions aimed at empowering participants with knowledge of parliamentary practices and the effective use of social media for advocacy. Mr. Boyefio stressed the importance of constructive national discourse, urging the youth to focus on consensus-building and what benefits the country, rather than falling into the divisive behaviors often seen in the national Parliament.
“We want the youth to channel their energy into productive national dialogue, and not be swayed by political divisions. This mock parliament is about teaching them the value of constructive debate and collaboration,” he added.
Continuing the Mission
Looking ahead, PNAfrica plans to continue supporting the participants even after they return to their respective campuses. The organization is committed to helping these young leaders channel their efforts towards national development and creating a more vibrant and independent youth voice in Ghana’s political landscape.
The event concluded with strong calls to action from other key youth leaders, including Justice Alor, the Majority Leader, and Prosper Dyon Akoto, the Minority Leader, who emphasized the importance of the Affirmative Action Bill and continued advocacy for its effective implementation.
The National Mock Parliament is part of PNAfrica’s ongoing efforts to ensure that Ghana’s youth are not only informed but also actively engaged in the governance processes that shape their future.
Source: Clement Akoloh||africanewsradio.com
