Rt. Hon Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament has urged Ghanaians to uphold the principles of peace, unity, and tolerance as the nation prepares for its upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections.
In a powerful speech delivered at the ‘Ramadan Night of Power’, the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon Alban Sumana Kingsford addressed the theme of this year’s event, ‘Peace, Unity, and Tolerance: The Roadmap to Prosperous Ghana.’
He underscored the importance of these values not just in the context of the electoral process but as the bedrock upon which a prosperous Ghana must be built.
“Today, I stand before you not just as the Speaker of this Parliament, but as a Ghanaian citizen, deeply devoted to the future of our nation. We gather here, united under the banner of Ghana, a nation rich in culture, heritage, and boundless potential. Yet, the path to a truly prosperous Ghana demands more than just our resources. It demands our unwavering commitment to three fundamental pillars: peace, unity, and tolerance.”
Rt. Hon Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament
He deconstructed each element, starting with peace, and quoted Albert Einstein, “Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding,” to reinforce the notion that peace is the precondition for progress and prosperity.
Speaker Bagbin, highlighted the resilience and strength of the Ghanaian people, noting that its journey has been long, filled with trials and triumphs. Despite these challenges, Bagbin emphasized that one constant thing in the nation’s history is the unwavering commitment to peace.
“Peace is the fertile ground where progress flourishes. It is the fertile ground that nurtures the seeds of progress and prosperity. Without it, the seeds of development wither and die. We must strive to extinguish the embers of conflict, be it political, tribal, or social.
But peace is not merely the absence of conflict; it is the presence of justice, the assurance of equality, and the pursuit of a common good that transcends individual desires. Let us embrace dialogue, reason, and mutual respect as the tools to resolve our differences. Let us remember the sacrifices made by those who secured our independence, a peace hard-won and forever to be cherished.”
Rt. Hon Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament
He further emphasized that peace is the bedrock upon which the nation can be built. Peace is the bedrock of any civilization. It is a serene environment where ideas flourish, businesses thrive, and communities bond. Ghanaians must uphold the legacy of peaceful coexistence, ensuring that the electoral processes are free from violence and intimidation.
Unity and Tolerance for a Better Ghana
Speaking on unity, Speaker Bagbin stressed that Ghana is a nation woven from the threads of diverse ethnicities, traditions, and beliefs. This very diversity is its strength. Unity does not demand uniformity; it demands a collective purpose and a shared vision for a better Ghana. He called on the country to celebrate its differences while recognizing the common thread that binds it together.
“The great poet, Maya Angelou once said: ‘In diversity there is beauty and there is strength.’ Unity is our strength. It is the harmonious chorus of diverse voices, each singing a different tune but together creating a symphony of progress. Our unity is found not in uniformity, but in our diversity, in the rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and beliefs that make up our beloved Ghana.”
Rt. Hon Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament
On tolerance, the Speaker echoed the sentiment of American actress Helen Hayes, defining tolerance “as the willingness to accept others’ faults as long as they accept ours.” He stated, “Tolerance is the path to understanding. It is the bridge that connects divided shores, the hand extended in friendship despite differing views. Tolerance is the recognition that while we may disagree, we are bound together by a shared humanity and a shared destiny.”
The Speaker’s address was not only a call to action but also a reminder of the values that have guided Ghana’s democratic journey thus far. As the nation looks forward to the elections, Bagbin’s message serves as a clarion call for Ghanaians to be ambassadors of peace, champions of unity, and exemplars of tolerance.
“Let us pledge to be ambassadors of peace, champions of unity, and exemplars of tolerance. Let us vote with our conscience and accept the outcome with grace,” he urged.
The Speaker envisioned a Ghana that is not only economically prosperous but also harmonious and resilient and stressed the collective effort required to build a nation that is a beacon of hope for all of Africa as the nation approaches another pivotal moment in its democratic journey.
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