Midrand, South Africa – Minority Chief Whip of Ghana’s Parliament and member of Ghana’s delegation to the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), Hon. Frank Annor Dompreh, has expressed strong support for key initiatives discussed during the 5th Ordinary Session of the 6th Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament, describing the session as an “impressive and impactful” experience.
Speaking on the sidelines of the session held in Midrand, South Africa, Hon. Dompreh applauded the proposal of several Model Laws, especially on factory development and soil fertility, which he said underscore a renewed and pragmatic approach by African legislators toward addressing the continent’s core developmental challenges.
“Africa must industrialize. We must take our destiny into our own hands. The Pan-African Parliament is taking a bold step in this direction, not by following the usual path, but by adopting a new mindset and a different approach,” Hon. Dompreh stated.
He noted that the Model Law on Factories aligns with Africa’s long-standing vision to enhance industrialization and reduce dependency on external powers. He also lauded the Model Law on Soil Fertility as a progressive move to safeguard Africa’s agricultural foundation.
“As an agrarian continent, soil remains a critical substructure. Though model laws are not enforceable in courts, they are persuasive and can guide national policies. By involving farmers who have deep indigenous knowledge, we can develop effective strategies for soil and water conservation, and food sustainability,” he emphasized.
Hon. Dompreh also weighed in on current discussions around global trade tariffs, stating that Africa should treat such challenges as opportunities to rethink its economic engagement with the world.
“The ongoing global shifts are a blessing in disguise. Africa must stop relying on the apron strings of developed nations. The emergence of alternative alliances like BRICS, with countries such as South Africa and Nigeria at the table, shows that the time for Africa to assert itself is now,” he said.
He further pointed out that while trade barriers are not unique to Africa — with countries like China also being affected — the focus should be on innovation and internal growth.
Citing past examples of beneficial foreign interventions, Hon. Dompreh acknowledged the contributions of the United States through programs like the Millennium Challenge Compact and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). However, he stressed that Africa’s success should not depend solely on external aid.
“We must not always rush to complain at the slightest provocation. Let’s look within, innovate, and drive our own development. I am confident that Africa, if we decide to succeed, will indeed succeed,” he concluded.
The 5th Ordinary Session of the Pan-African Parliament brought together lawmakers and stakeholders from across the continent to deliberate on continental issues, propose model laws, and foster unity and policy harmonization among African nations.
Source: Clement Akoloh||parliamentnews360.com
