Bono Regional Minister, Madam Justina Owusu-Banahene
Madam Justina Owusu-Banahene, the Bono Regional Minister, has inspired Ghanaians to take pride in the remarkable 30-year achievement of the nation's democratic government.
Moving away from the agitated periods of military rule and political instability that once characterized the nation's political landscape, the Regional Minister called on Ghanaians to embrace a future grounded in the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and respect for fundamental human rights.
Madam Owusu-Banahene delivered this message while addressing a mock parliament organized by the Parliamentary Service in Sunyani, as part of the activities commemorating 30 years of uninterrupted parliamentary democracy in the country.
The event, themed "Thirty Years of Parliamentary Democracy Under the Fourth Republic: The Journey So Far," was attended by MPs, Ministers of State, students, civil society actors and organizations, political parties, youth and women's groups, and traditional authorities.
"Today, we stand as a testament to the success of this endeavor, having conducted peaceful transitions of power and upheld the tenets of democracy through free and fair elections.
Our democratic institutions have grown stronger, and the voice of the people has been given a platform to be heard and respected," she stated.
Madam Owusu-Banahene indicated that the nation's economy had seen substantial growth, with significant investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
In the political arena, Ghana has become a beacon of stability in the West African sub-region, if not Africa as a whole, and a model of democratic governance. It has also remained a strong advocate for peace and development.
While we have made commendable progress, we must continue to take actionable steps to address issues of poverty, inequality, and unemployment.
The Regional Minister emphasized the imperative for the nation to strive to ensure that the dividends of democracy are felt by all Ghanaians, irrespective of their socio-economic status.
"This requires collective effort and a commitment to inclusive and sustainable development," she stated, noting that the mock parliament demonstrated the essence and beauty of democracy, open dialogue, active participation, and the exchange of ideas.
Madam Owusu-Banahene concluded by saying that everyone should be guided by the lessons of the past and the vision for a prosperous and democratic country. We must work together to build a better nation "where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive, where our democratic institutions are strong and resilient, and where the rule of law prevails."
