In a significant step towards fostering regional solidarity and legislative collaboration across Africa, Ghana’s Parliament is set to host the 2nd General Assembly of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL). The event, which will take place from October 25th to 27th, 2024, is under the distinguished leadership of the Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin.
CoSPAL, established in 2020, serves as a platform to enhance deliberation, cooperation, and collective action among Speakers and Presidents of Parliaments across Africa. The 1st General Assembly, held in Abuja in May 2022, laid the groundwork for African legislatures to unite in addressing critical issues such as post-COVID economic recovery and advancing democratic development. The initiative was led by then-Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.
This year’s General Assembly will gather approximately 120 participants, including 15 Speakers and Presidents of National Legislatures, 30 Deputy Speakers, Presidents, and Clerks/Secretary Generals, as well as key staff from Assemblies across the continent. The event aims to build on the foundation set by the 1st Assembly and will focus on collaborative governance and collective strategies to address shared challenges facing Africa.
The hosting of this prestigious event provides Ghana with an opportunity to showcase its commitment to democracy, unity, and hospitality. The venue for the conference is the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, a premier location in Accra.
The Media Relations Department of Parliament emphasizes that this gathering will advance legislative effectiveness, further entrench regional cooperation, and help address common developmental issues facing the African continent.
