By Adnan Adams Mohammed
African nations have been urged to fiercely protect their socio-cultural identities, values, and sovereignty by aligning national laws and public institutions with the direct aspirations of their citizens, rather than bowing to external pressures.
This passionate call formed the centerpiece of the opening address delivered by the Chief of Staff, Dr. Julius Debrah, at the 4th African Inter-Parliamentary Conference held in the capital.
The high-level convocation brought together speakers, lawmakers, policy experts, and civil society leaders from across the continent to deliberate on legislative independence, governance, and sustainable development.
Speaking to a packed auditorium of continental delegates, Dr. Debrah emphasized that true democratic governance stems from internal legitimacy rather than foreign prescription.
”Our responsibility is not to dictate how others should live. It is to ensure that our own laws, educational systems, and public institutions remain reflective of the values and aspirations of our societies,” Dr. Debrah stated, drawing resounding applause from the plenary.
Guarding Legislative Independence
The conference arrives at a critical juncture as African parliaments increasingly grapple with the complexities of globalization, international aid conditionalities, and the push for standardized global legal frameworks.
Dr. Debrah cautioned lawmakers against adopting copy-and-paste legislation that alienates the very people they represent. He noted that education and legal systems are the bedrock of any civilization and must be intentionally curated to protect local heritage.
”We cannot build a sustainable future on borrowed values,” he added during a panel session later in the day. “Every piece of legislation passed by our parliaments must pass the litmus test of cultural relevance and societal well-being. If a law does not serve the fundamental interests of our people, it has no place in our statute books.”
Continental Consensus
Delegates at the conference warmly received the call for legislative self-determination. Lawmakers from various regional blocs echoed the sentiment, noting that the continent’s development strategies must be decoupled from ideological strings often attached to international cooperation.
”Dr. Debrah hits the nail on the head,” remarked a delegate from the East African Legislative Assembly on the sidelines of the event. “For too long, African institutions have been on the defensive. This conference is a reminder that our primary accountability is to the African populace, not external observers.”
The 4th African Inter-Parliamentary Conference is expected to conclude at the weekend with the adoption of a joint declaration. The communique will outline frameworks for deepened legislative collaboration, harmonized trade policies under the AfCFTA, and mechanisms to insulate domestic policy from external dictates.
