By Daniel Bampoe
The Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri and Chairperson of the Pan-African Parliament’s Committee on Health, Labour and Social Affairs, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has called on the leadership of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) to strengthen internal unity, warning that divisions among its top officials could undermine the institution’s credibility and effectiveness.
Speaking during deliberations at the First Ordinary Session of the Seventh Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament in Midrand, South Africa, Annoh-Dompreh said the continental legislative body should equally celebrate the significant progress it has made, rather than focusing only on its shortcomings.
According to him, the Pan-African Parliament has recorded important institutional gains over the past few years that deserve recognition.
He cited the successful amendment of the Parliament’s Rules of Procedure as one of the body’s landmark achievements, describing it as a major reform that has strengthened the institution’s governance and operational framework.
The Ghanaian legislator also pointed to the improved engagement between the African Union Commission (AUC) and the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC), noting that such collaboration had previously been absent.
He argued that creating dialogue and cooperation between the two institutions represents another milestone that should be acknowledged as part of the Parliament’s progress.
While commending the President of the Pan-African Parliament for his passionate advocacy for unity, hard work and cooperation among African legislators, Annoh-Dompreh stressed that the institution’s leadership must first demonstrate those values internally.
Quoting the saying that “charity begins at home,” he urged the President and the Vice Presidents to work together in harmony and present a united front.
He cautioned against internal rivalries within the leadership of the Parliament, saying reports of disagreements between senior officials could weaken confidence in the institution.
According to him, members of the Pan-African Parliament do not want to read or hear stories suggesting that one Vice President is not on good terms with another or that divisions exist within the leadership.
In his concluding remarks, Annoh-Dompreh reminded the President and Vice Presidents that they were elected by the members of the Pan-African Parliament to provide collective leadership.
He reiterated the confidence members have reposed in the current leadership and urged every Vice President to support the President in advancing the institution’s mandate rather than engaging in actions that could undermine the presidency.
He warned that attempts by any leader to weaken the President in the hope of advancing personal ambitions would ultimately be counterproductive. Instead, he said, unity, mutual respect and cooperation among the leadership are essential for strengthening the Pan-African Parliament and enhancing its role in promoting democratic governance, regional integration and the aspirations of the African Union.
Frank Annoh-Dompreh’s remarks come at a time when the Pan-African Parliament continues efforts to consolidate reforms aimed at improving its effectiveness.
Since adopting revised Rules of Procedure and expanding institutional cooperation with key African Union organs, the Parliament has been seeking to reposition itself as a stronger voice for the people of Africa.
