Youth encouraged to engage in national discourse

On Wednesday, August 28th, 2024, a mock parliament was convened at the University of Ghana, Legon, in Accra to deliberate on issues of national interest.

Speaking at the event, the Speaker of the Pan Africa Parliament, Mr. Elisha Superi Mponu, emphasised the importance of youth involvement in national discussions, particularly in Ghana.

Mr. Mponu highlighted that the purpose of the mock parliament was “to showcase and champion the ideas in the minds of the youths as far as national topics are concerned.”

He further elaborated that the initiative was designed to engage young people in meaningful dialogue on sensitive issues such as the gender equality bill, also known as the affirmative action bill.

He revealed that the engagement with the youth would extend beyond the event at the University of Ghana, Legon.

“We will not actually stop here when we go to our various localities or homes; we will make the work continue from there, sensitising whoever is concerned or speaking to the various stakeholders involved as far as this gender equality bill is concerned,” he explained.

Mr. Mponu stressed that they would not take the opportunity for granted and were committed to fully supporting the agenda.

Expressing his gratitude, Mr. Mpoanu stated that he was honoured to serve as the Speaker of Parliament for the mock parliament.

Echoing similar sentiments, Mr. Justice Allo, a student of the University of Ghana who served as the majority leader in the mock parliament, urged Ghanaians and the real Parliament to ensure the approval of the affirmative action bill into law.

He argued that it is an important piece of legislation, stating, “When the bill is turned into a law or an act, it at least helps most women who want to take up leadership roles to do that with ease.”

Mr. Allo pointed out that in today’s world, women are often marginalised and discriminated against for flimsy and unfounded reasons.

Further, he believes that enacting the bill into law would help eliminate this discrimination.