Accra, June 16, GNA-Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament, has called for stronger youth participation in governance, urging Parliament to create real opportunities for children and other underrepresented groups to shape decisions.
Speaking through Mr Bernard Ahiafor, the First Deputy Speaker, at the launch of the ‘Parliament & You’ Educational Series at Parliament House, he said democracy could not be genuine if young people were left out.
“No society can be truly democratic and participatory without creating meaningful opportunities for the underrepresented to be heard and involved,” Mr Ahiafor stated. “Parliament is committed to using every available platform to amplify the voices of the underrepresented, especially young people,” he added.
Mr Ahiafor noted that With the United Nation (UN) Convention on the Rights of the Child as the series anchor, the Speaker’s message was clear: children should be treated as partners, not spectators, in building Ghana’s future.
The Parliament & You initiative, launched in partnership with Junior Graphic of Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL), will run as a weekly, child-friendly column.
It will explain parliamentary processes through stories, illustrations, quizzes, and interactive content.
Junior Graphic is expected to reach at least 50,000 young readers across Ghana every week.
Mr Mahama Ayariga, Majority Leader urged students to take interest in leadership and national development, commending Parliament and GCGL for making civic education engaging.
He pledged GH¢200,000 to support the programme.
Mr Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Minority Leader, described the launch as a step toward decentralising democracy and making Parliament more accessible.
He cited breakfast forums and open parliament programmes as proof of that commitment and also pledged GH¢100,000.
The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations donated 25 laptops to serve as prizes for competition winners during the first two years, to promote learning and participation.
Mr Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, the Clerk to Parliament, said Parliament’s Department of Public Engagement had already reached over 44,000 students nationwide through its Educational Visitors’ Programme.
He added that Mini Parliament and Parliament & You will bring Parliament closer to children and deepen civic awareness.
GNA
Reporter: Elsie Appiah-Osei