By Elsie Appiah-Osei
Accra, June 1, GNA – Ghana is fully prepared to host the 4th Session of the African Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values at Parliament House in Accra, with more than 300 delegates from over 30 countries expected to participate and advance work on a draft “African Charter of Family, Sovereignty and Values,” Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has announced.
Speaking at a press conference at Parliament House on Monday ahead of the conference, scheduled from June 3 to June 6, 2026, Mr Bagbin said the event would bring together parliamentary leaders, policymakers, academics, religious leaders, civil society representatives and development partners from across Africa and beyond.
He described the conference as a significant platform for Africa to reaffirm its identity, values and sovereignty amid growing social, cultural, and ideological challenges.
“This conference is not merely a gathering; it is a declaration that Africa will no longer sit mute or stand in silence,” Mr Bagbin said.
“It is a declaration that we shall reclaim and protect our values, not merely in aspiration, but through dignified unity. It is therefore both timely and necessary for African parliaments and institutions to engage in meaningful dialogue on how we preserve and promote the values that define us as a people.”
President John Dramani Mahama is expected to attend the opening ceremony as Special Guest of Honour.
Mr Bagbin said the venue had been moved from the originally announced Ridge Church to Parliament House following extensive consultations.
“After thorough consultations, it was deemed appropriate to move the conference to a location better suited to the significance and objectives of this gathering,” he said.
“Parliament House is a symbol of Ghana’s democratic resilience and Pan-African commitment. It provides the most appropriate institutional setting for discussions aimed at shaping laws, policies and actions that strengthen families, uphold sovereignty and preserve Africa’s shared values.”
He apologised for any inconvenience caused by the change and thanked delegates, stakeholders and Members of Parliament for their understanding.
According to the Speaker, representatives from all five African regional blocs will participate in the conference, underscoring its continental character and growing relevance.
A key outcome of the conference, he noted, will be further work on the proposed African Charter of Family, Sovereignty and Values, a continental framework intended to guide member states in protecting family systems, cultural identity and national sovereignty.
Mr. Bagbin said the conference was taking place at a critical moment for the continent.
“This year’s conference is being organised at a time when the African continent is confronted with evolving social, cultural and ideological challenges that have profound implications for family systems, sovereignty and cherished values,” he stated.
“We are meeting at a moment when African values face a dual assault: the cultural erosion associated with globalisation on one hand, and the painful rise of xenophobia within our own continent on the other. When external ideologies and concepts of identity are increasingly presented as universal truths, Africa must find its voice and speak with clarity.”
He outlined key thematic areas for discussion, including the protection and strengthening of the African family system, preservation of African cultural values and sovereignty, the role of parliaments in safeguarding societal values, youth development and moral leadership, legislative responses to emerging social and ideological issues, and strengthening cooperation among African states.
Delegates will also examine the growing influence of artificial intelligence and digital technologies on family systems, child protection and social cohesion. Discussions will focus on ethical frameworks, data privacy safeguards and responsible digital governance to ensure technology serves the interests of African societies.
The Speaker expressed confidence that the conference would produce strong resolutions and renewed commitments towards policies and legislative frameworks that protect the integrity of the family, respect national sovereignty and preserve the moral and cultural foundations of African societies.
On Ghana’s readiness to host the event, Mr Bagbin said all logistical and administrative preparations had been completed.
“I am pleased to announce that Ghana is fully prepared to host this prestigious conference,” he said.
“Parliament House and all designated support facilities are ready to receive guests from across Africa and other participating countries.”
He noted that arrangements covering accommodation, registration, transportation, security, media coverage and interpretation services had been finalised.
“As of today, more than 30 countries have officially registered to participate, with an expected attendance of over 300 delegates,” he said.
“These include Speakers and Presidents of Parliament, Members of Parliament, policy experts, religious leaders, academics, civil society representatives and development partners from across Africa and beyond. This strong level of participation reflects the growing importance of discussions surrounding family, sovereignty and values on the African continent.”
Beyond the formal deliberations, participants will experience Ghana’s cultural heritage through exhibitions, cultural performances and networking events designed to promote African identity, unity and shared values.
Mr Bagbin said guided tours of some of Ghana’s historic sites had also been arranged to showcase the country’s rich history, cultural heritage and tourism potential.
He called on the media to support the conference by promoting constructive dialogue on issues affecting Africa’s future and fostering greater appreciation of the continent’s values and identity.
Mr Andrew Amoako Asiamah, Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, said the topics selected for discussion were critical to Africa’s future, particularly in relation to cultural identity and value systems.
He reiterated that one of the conference’s most important objectives would be advancing work on the draft African Charter of Family, Sovereignty and Values.
“The issues that we are going to discuss are very important. The conversation about our values can never begin too early, and we encourage all stakeholders to support this initiative,” he said.
Mr Asiamah expressed appreciation to the Speaker for his leadership and involvement in the preparations and said the Local Organising Committee was confident Ghana would successfully host the event.
“On behalf of the Local Organising Committee, we thank the Speaker for his support and leadership. We are confident that Ghana is ready and that this conference will be successful,” he said.
Mr Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, Clerk to Parliament, noted that Ghana’s hosting of the conference was significant, particularly as Uganda had hosted the previous three editions.
“It is appropriate that Ghana hosts the conference this time around,” he said.
“The discussions will focus fundamentally on how Africans assess their independence, exercise authority and continue the search for their true identity.”
He expressed confidence that the conference would contribute meaningfully to continental conversations on sovereignty, cultural preservation, and Africa’s future development.
GNA
Edited by Audrey Dekalu
Reporter: Elsie Appiah-Osei, GNAÂ
[email protected]Â