In celebration of the 30th anniversary of Ghana’s fourth republican Parliament, a mock parliamentary session was organized in the Wa Municipality of the Upper West Region. The event took place on June 15, 2023, and involved students from selected tertiary institutions, marking an important milestone in Ghana’s democratic journey.
Under the leadership of Speaker Rt. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the 30-year uninterrupted democratic dispensation under the fourth republic will be celebrated throughout the year. The celebrations will be held in four regional zones, with the Northern Zone, including Wa (Mock Parliament and Debate), Tamale (Public Forum), and Bolgatanga (Peace Walk and Sporting Activities), being the first to host the events.
The Mock Parliament event brought together esteemed figures from the region, including respected traditional and religious leaders, parliamentarians, government officials, representatives from political parties, security personnel, and students, among others. The participating mock parliamentarians represented institutions such as SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS), University of Development Studies in Tamale, Bolgatanga Technical University, C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Science, and Dr. Hilla Liman Technical University. They showcased impressive performances during the proceedings, resembling a regular parliamentary session and earning applause from participants and attending legislators.
Speaking on behalf of Rt. Honourable Speaker Bagbin, Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, the Member of Parliament for Wa Central, reflected on Ghana’s transition to the fourth republic 30 years ago. He emphasized the consistency and progress achieved in governance, peace, development, and real democracy during this period. Dr. Pelpuo praised the mock parliamentarians for their remarkable performance, seeing it as a sign of their readiness to assume legislative roles in the future.
Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih, the Upper West Regional Minister, highlighted the significant role played by the fourth republican parliament in shaping Ghana’s democracy, promoting national development, and upholding the rule of law. He acknowledged the achievements and contributions of the parliament in strengthening democratic governance, fostering accountability, and respecting human rights. Dr. Salih emphasized the need to recognize the challenges faced during the past 30 years and find ways to overcome them collectively. He encouraged the participants to engage in meaningful debates, contribute constructively to discussions, and nurture the next generation of leaders with a sense of civil responsibility and active participation in democratic processes.
The highlight of the day was a spirited debate among the students on the topic, “After Thirty Years of Uninterrupted Parliamentary Democracy, Can Ghana Boast of Achievements?” The debate showcased the students’ intellectual prowess and received applause from the audience. SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS) emerged as the winners, followed by C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Science as the first runner-up. Bolgatanga Technical University secured the second runner-up position, with the University for Development Studies in Tamale and Dr. Hilla Liman Technical University in Wa taking the fourth and fifth positions, respectively.
The winners were presented with trophies and received financial rewards, along with all the participating schools. The event not only provided insight into parliamentary affairs but also instilled in the students a sense of civic responsibility and active engagement in democratic processes. It served as an occasion for renewed commitment to democracy, upholding the rule of law, and working together towards a prosperous and inclusive Upper West Region and Ghana as a whole.
