Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin has emphasized the imperative to enhance the understanding of multiparty democracy as a means to preserve the unity of the country in anticipation of the 2024 general elections.

In his Christmas address to the Ghanaian people, Speaker Bagbin underscored the significance of 2024, deeming it a critical year due to the impending elections.

He expressed a hopeful prayer that efforts be directed towards deepening the comprehension and practice of multiparty democracy, urging that differences should serve to unite rather than divide.

Speaker Bagbin articulated the need to safeguard and augment Ghana's democratic principles.

He acknowledged the pivotal role played by the robust partnership among political parties, the media, civil society organizations (CSOs), the clergy, and other entities in sustaining democracy over the past 30 years.

“We have, as a nation, been able to stay the course, 30 continuous uninterrupted democratic rule because of the partnership between not just the political parties alone but the media, CSOs, and our traditional leaders.

“I think it is important we continue this partnership, strengthening it and in fact, making sure that every organ of the state, private sector, and CSO is strengthened,” he said.

He added “30 years is a great achievement. Ghana has made it globally, your parliament now leads the Parliamentary Community in the world, we chair and preside over the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association made up of 182 parliaments of the world, and we chair and preside over the Conference of Speakers and Heads of Parliament Africa, and we are in the leadership of the World Parliament, now called the Interparliamentary Union.

“By virtue of a number of decisions and laws passed by Parliament, we are now a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council. As you all know, we also sit at the Security Council, so Ghana is now in its rightful place as the heart of the world. This is an achievement that we should be proud of and we should do everything we can to deepen the democratic culture and inspire the challenges we are facing.”

The Speaker called for the reinforcement of this collaboration, emphasizing the importance of strengthening every organ of the state, private sector, and CSOs.

Reflecting on Ghana's achievements over the years, Speaker Bagbin highlighted the nation's global recognition in parliamentary leadership. He noted that Ghana, through its Parliament, chairs and presides over the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and the Conference of Speakers and Heads of Parliament in Africa. Additionally, the country is actively engaged in the Interparliamentary Union, holding a leadership position in the World Parliament.

Acknowledging Ghana's membership in the United Nations Human Rights Council and its role in the Security Council, Speaker Bagbin celebrated the country's elevation to a central position on the world stage. He urged pride in these accomplishments and called for collective efforts to deepen the democratic culture, addressing the challenges faced by the nation.