Source: newsthemegh.com
Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, Deputy Majority Leader of the Ghanaian Parliament and Head of Ghana’s Delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, has stressed how crucial it is to stand together in opposition to military coups and illegitimate regime changes in West Africa.
Speaking to a distinguished audience that included the president of the ECOWAS Parliament, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and the honorable speaker of that body, Sidie Mohammed Tunis, Afenyo-Markin emphasized the necessity of promoting stability and democracy in the sub-region.
He highlighted how West African countries have been impacted by international problems like the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing wars in Russia and Ukraine. Despite these difficulties, the MP commended the inhabitants’ grace and fortitude in the face of difficulty.
The Deputy Majority Leader spoke at the ECOWAS Parliamentary seminar’s opening ceremony on September 29 in Winneba, where he denounced recent military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Chad, and Gabon as well as wars in Sudan.
He emphasized that going backwards is not the answer to West Africa’s advancement and characterized these coups as a betrayal of democratic principles. He advocated for a rapid return to constitutional governance.
The conference will come to an end on Sunday, October 1 with the theme “The Challenges of Unconstitutional Regime Change and Presidential Term Limits in West Africa – The Role of the ECOWAS Parliament.”
The importance of democracy as the cornerstone for advancement, justice, and freedom was emphasized by Afenyo-Markin, who said, “We need to protect democratic institutions, ensuring they remain resilient amidst evolving challenges.”
The late Kofi Annan’s comments served as motivation for him as he emphasized the global values of democracy, human rights, and freedoms. The deputy leader issued a warning against leaders trying to illegitimately amend constitutions in order to maintain their grasp on power. He urged the audience to safeguard the integrity of democratic procedures by advocating vigilance and taking a strong position against the deterioration of democratic ideals.
He said, “The shield protecting the flames of democracy and freedom from despotism and tyranny is our unity. West African nations should stand shoulder to shoulder, nurture the values of freedom, dignity, and the rule of law.”
He urged all West Africans to work together to create a region where national cohesion is upheld and people’s ambitions are fulfilled. He saw a world in which people lived with honor, prosperity, and a vast diversity of cultures and histories.
Afenyo-Markin asked the ECOWAS MPs to bring the vivacious spirit of Winneba back to their individual countries and appealed for togetherness and resiliency.
He expressed confidence that West African countries would triumph as a unified, tough, and prosperous society by working together to overcome obstacles.