The Speaker of Parliament,  Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has officially inaugurated the Management Committee of the Parliamentary Friendship Association, an event that marks a significant step toward strengthening parliamentary diplomatic engagement. 

In his remarks, the Speaker emphasized that the formation of this committee is a critical milestone in the continuous efforts to institutionalize and enhance parliamentary diplomacy.

 He noted that the establishment of the management committee is a clear testament to Parliament’s commitment to providing strategic direction for the operations of the Parliamentary Friendship Associations. 

The objective, he said, is to ensure these associations operate with transparency, structure, and measurable impact. 

The Speaker cautioned against viewing the Parliamentary Friendship Associations as mere ceremonial groups or opportunities for members to travel abroad.

 Instead, he urged that they be recognized as strategic instruments of soft diplomacy.

The Majority leader,  Mahama Ayariga, highlighted the power and importance of Parliamentary Friendship Associations in enhancing international relations and diplomacy among legislators. 

He noted, “We don’t just want to see the association inaugurated. We want to see reports from the association presented on the floor of Parliament, indicating that they are actively working.”

He further urged members to play visible roles in representing Ghana on the global stage. 

“When it’s the independence anniversary of one of these countries, we expect members to make a statement recognizing the relationship between Ghana and that country. And if there’s a disaster, we want you to be the first to express heartfelt condolences on the floor of Parliament,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the 2nd Deputy Minority whip, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, underscored the global practice of Parliaments using friendship associations to strengthen cooperation, build networks. 

He emphasized that the Ghanaian Parliamentary Friendship Associations must not remain ceremonial. 

“These associations must translate into tangible benefits for the Parliament of Ghana,” he said.

The Ambassador of Lebanon to Ghana, Maher Kheir, encouraged the newly inaugurated management committee to carry out its responsibilities with diligence, ensuring that its mission leads to productive and impactful results.

In his remarks, the Chairperson of the Committee, Ricketts-Hagan expressed the commitment of the new members to take their oversight role seriously.

 He pledged that the committee would work to bring renewed hope to the formation of the friendship associations, and ensure that the associations operate efficiently and fulfill their intended functions.

The Deputy Clerk Legislative Management Services, Mr. Camillo Pwamang, highlighted the growing significance of parliamentary diplomacy, especially in light of the current complexities of international relations. 

He further noted that by the end of the Eighth Parliament, forty (40) friendship associations had been officially recognized. At the commencement of the Ninth Parliament, and in accordance with the directive of the Speaker, two (2) additional friendship associations were established, bringing the current total to forty-two (42).