President Akufo-Addo says democracy is on the decline in Africa and in particular the West African sub-region.
The sub-region has witnessed an increasing number of coup d'etats, the latest being in Niger where ECOWAS is contemplating a military action.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Accra, President Akufo-Addo warned that if all do not rise against the development, more of such coups will happen.
“Through a series of coup d’états and military interventions in government to justify democratic regression, it is in the interest of democratic growth that this development is reversed as soon as possible,” he said.
He called on the Commonwealth Parliament to support the ECOWAS and the African Union in their efforts to restore democracy and democratic institutions in the junta-led countries.
He further called on the parliament to join calls for the release of Nigerien president, Mohammed Bazoum, who has been held captive by the Nigerien junta.
“And we give maximum support to ECOWAS, the regional body of West Africa and the African Union, the continental organisation in their efforts to restore democratic institutions in the affected nations of Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Niger and Gabon. Also in whatever dispositions we take to stem the tide of this unwelcome influence.
“Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, indeed the commonwealth itself should join ECOWAS and the African Union in demanding the immediate and unconditional release from unjustifiable detention of the democratically elected president of the republic of Niger, His Excellency Mohammed Bazoum.”
According to him, “Democracy and the stability that generally accompanies democratic governance are essentially for the future prosperity of the African people.”
He, however, insisted that Ghana will not follow in the steps of the junta-led countries.
“Ghana has remained steadfast in her commitment to upholding the values outlined in the commonwealth charter. In our journey since the inception of the 4th republic some 30 years ago, we proudly witnessed the smooth transition from one democratically elected government to another of a different party on three separate occasions,” he touted.
Latest Stories
-
Kamala Harris top choice to replace Joe Biden if he steps aside, sources say
9 mins -
We are behind schedule in implementing flooding prevention measures – Kojo Oppong Nkrumah
29 mins -
Osaka beaten by Navarro as Gauff goes through
1 hour -
Absa Bank launches ‘Change Your Story’ campaign, offers customers chance to win GH¢800K
1 hour -
Egypt’s Sisi names new armed forces chief of staff, defence minister
2 hours -
GUTA calls for immediate withdrawal of 5% excise tax on plastic manufacturing companies
2 hours -
NIA staff petition Akufo-Addo calling for head of Prof Attafuah
2 hours -
Uefa investigating Turkey’s Demiral over goal celebration
2 hours -
Sinner wins epic Italian showdown against Berrettini
2 hours -
Manchester United to cut 250 jobs
2 hours -
Foden ‘feels sorry’ for under-pressure Southgate
3 hours -
If he’s given the ‘steer,’ where will Napo sit? Ayariga asks Bawumia
3 hours -
Masterpiece found in plastic bag sells for £17.5m
3 hours -
Sperm donor says Netflix series is misleading
3 hours -
Biden campaign works to calm Democrats’ nerves as pressure mounts
3 hours