A parliament divided cannot lift a nation – Mama Bobi III to youth parliamentarians

Queen Mother of the Bake Clan of the Asogli State, Her Royal Majesty Mama Bobi III, has urged members of the Youth Impact Parliament (YIP) to embrace unity, mutual respect and service, warning that a divided Parliament cannot contribute effectively to nation-building.

The inauguration marked the beginning of the 6th Parliament of YIP, Ghana’s first bicameral youth legislature, established to promote democratic values, leadership development, public speaking, civic consciousness and character-driven leadership among young people.

The platform seeks to prepare young people for responsible participation in governance by giving them practical exposure to parliamentary procedures, debate, legislation and public policy.

The Queen Mother and Judge made the call at the inauguration of the Sixth Parliament of the Youth Impact Parliament of the Youth Impact Movement (YIM), held at the Ho Technical University SRC JCR Hall, where she challenged the young parliamentarians to see their positions as opportunities to serve rather than platforms for personal or political advancement.

“Build bridges. A Parliament divided cannot lift a nation,” Mama Bobi III told the youth parliamentarians, urging them to debate issues strongly while maintaining respect for one another.

She cautioned members against allowing political or ideological differences to undermine the purpose of the institution, stressing that disagreements should not become permanent divisions.

“Debate fiercely, but respect always. Your opponent today may be your ally in the next battle for justice,” she said, encouraging the youth to recognise that relationships and alliances can change in the pursuit of a common national interest.

Mama Bobi III further urged the young parliamentarians to remain focused on the people they represent rather than their parties, personal ambitions or positions.

She reminded them that their ultimate responsibility was to the vulnerable and voiceless, including children who cannot read, communities that have never been heard and citizens without the power to influence decisions.

Drawing from her own experience as a traditional leader and Judge, Mama Bobi III said she wears “two hats” defined not by fabric but by duty — the crown representing service and the gavel representing the pursuit of justice.

“As a queen, I have learned that true royalty is not about being served; it is about serving. It is about lifting the voiceless, protecting the vulnerable and remembering that your power is measured not by how high you sit but how low you are willing to stoop to help another person,” she stated.

She also encouraged the youth to make use of their age and energy, describing youth not as a period of waiting but as an advantage that should be deployed for meaningful change.

“Do not let anyone tell you that you are too young to lead,” she said, recounting that she became a magistrate while still in her twenties and has continued to assume leadership responsibilities despite criticism about her age.

Mama Bobi III charged the new parliamentarians to speak the truth, even when doing so may be unpopular, and to act with empathy when considering laws and policies.

She urged them to always ask how their decisions would affect mothers, children, refugees and other vulnerable groups, stressing that “laws are words on paper, but justice is a heartbeat.”

Presenting the progress report of the Youth Impact Movement, Executive Director and President of the Senate, Jones S. Amegashie-Viglo, said the organisation had recorded significant institutional and legislative growth since the inauguration of the 5th Parliament in August 2025.

Among the key achievements was the passage of the YIP Forum of Women Parliamentarians Act, 2025, and the YIP Campus Club Act, 2026, which provide frameworks for the operation of the Women Parliamentarians Forum and YIP Campus Clubs in educational institutions.

He also noted that recommendations adopted following debates on proposed amendments to Ghana’s 1992 Constitution had been submitted to the Constitutional Review Committee under the Office of the President for consideration.

The Movement also organised an educational visit to the Parliament of Ghana, where members interacted with parliamentarians and officials and received lessons on parliamentary practice and democratic governance.

Amegashie-Viglo said leadership development remained central to YIP’s mission, with the organisation reaching the 33rd edition of its Virtual Leadership Seminar Series and producing 25 episodes across two seasons of the YIP Youth Talk Show.

He further highlighted the launch of the YIP Chamber Fund during the organisation’s 5th anniversary, the establishment of a campus club at OLA Senior High School and humanitarian activities undertaken through the Youth Impact Foundation.

On institutional development, he disclosed that the Youth Impact Movement had been formally registered as NextGen Youth Impact Movement LBG, a company limited by guarantee, while architectural designs and a Bill of Quantities had been secured for the proposed YIP Chamber and Office Complex.

The Movement also launched its official website as part of efforts to strengthen its digital presence and improve access to its parliamentary proceedings, publications and stakeholder engagement.

Internationally, YIP continues to operate chapters in Uganda, India, Namibia, Kenya and South Africa, reflecting the organisation’s growing presence beyond Ghana.

The newly inaugurated Speaker of the Sixth Parliament, Rt Hon Constantina Agbenorlawoduga, became the first woman to occupy the position in YIP’s history.

She pledged to lead with fairness, integrity and impartiality. She said the Parliament’s diversity of ideas and backgrounds should strengthen rather than divide it, promising to protect every member’s right to be heard and promote constructive debate that delivers meaningful outcomes.

She called on members from different caucuses to work together and make the Sixth Parliament one remembered for excellence, innovation, integrity and meaningful impact.

The inauguration also featured the swearing-in of the Speaker, two Deputy Speakers and Youth Members of Parliament and the presentation of honorary awards to deserving members of the 5th Parliament.