Parliamentary Network Africa (PNAfrica), a non-governmental organization, has successfully held its inaugural national mock parliament in Ghana. This initiative aims to engage youth speakers in the governance structure, offering them the opportunity to conduct their own parliamentary sessions and simulate the roles performed in the National Parliament.
The Mock Parliament, held on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, brought together students from various student parliaments across the country. The event united the Youth Parliament and Student Parliament to debate the topic “Affirmative Action Bill,” under the theme: “The Youth Perspective on the Effective Implementation of the Affirmative Action Bill.”
Speaking with GhanaNewsOnline.com.gh, Program Manager for PN Africa, Gilbert Borketey Boyefio, explained that the organization’s goal is to create a platform where young speakers can deliberate on important national matters and present their viewpoints on critical issues affecting the country.
“This platform allows the youth to conduct their own sessions, replicating the roles played in our national parliament while encouraging and preparing them to become part of the governance structure. The focus is on bringing together both the Youth Parliament and Student Parliament,” Boyefio stated.
He noted that while this is not the first student mock parliament in Ghana, previous initiatives have typically targeted specific groups. This new approach combines both Student and Youth Parliaments to foster a more inclusive discussion.
He added that the debate on the Affirmative Action Bill is designed to enable young speakers to express their perspectives on the implementation of the bill, offering suggestions and recommendations.
“We want the youth to share their insights on how they believe the Affirmative Action Bill should be implemented. They will also present suggestions and recommendations for its implementation,” he explained.
The session culminated in the election of the first Speaker of the Mock Parliament and their deputies. During the debate, the parliamentarians addressed the issue of gender inequality against women in Ghana.
The Speaker of the Mock Parliament, Rt. Hon. Elisha Supiir Npoangnan, of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), underscored the need to tackle gender inequalities in the country, urging various stakeholders to increase awareness and support the Affirmative Action Bill.
By Angela Amuzu || ghananewsonline.com.gh