Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has agreed to host parliamentary leaders from across Africa. This will occur at the 10th Ghana International Trade and Finance Conference (GITFiC) in Accra. The major conference is scheduled for October 2026.
The decision follows a productive meeting between Speaker Bagbin and a delegation from GITFiC. Discussions centered on the Global Debt Initiative. They also explored how African parliaments can play a stronger role. Speaker Bagbin’s position as President of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (COSPAL) is key. He will use this role to invite and host the African leaders.
This summit is highly relevant to Ghana's economic challenges. The country faces significant debt burdens. Discussions on debt management and sustainability are crucial for economic stability. GITFiC's work under Agenda 2031 aims to improve debt management. It also seeks to promote debt cancellation for Africa. This could prevent future cycles of unsustainable borrowing.
A statement confirmed Speaker Bagbin's full support. He highlighted the historical reasons for global debt issues. He also emphasized how GITFiC's Agenda 2031 can help Africa. It aims to support better debt handling and prevent future borrowing crises. The Speaker directed his office to fully support the agreed action plans. This commitment underscores the importance of the initiative for Ghana and the wider continent.
The 10th GITFiC Annual Meeting will be a vital platform. African parliamentary leaders will gather with policymakers and experts. They will discuss practical solutions for debt issues. These issues affect emerging and developing economies. The conference will also link these discussions to the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). This trade pact aims to boost intra-African trade and economic integration. The presence of parliamentary leaders signifies a high-level engagement with these critical economic matters. Their participation suggests a strong focus on legislative action to address debt and foster trade.
The delegation from GITFiC included Mr. Samuel Sarpong. Members of the National Technical Working Committee on Agenda 2031 were also present. This committee is responsible for the Global Debt Initiative and AfCFTA implementation. Their involvement ensures that on-the-ground expertise informs the high-level discussions. The meeting aims to develop actionable plans for debt relief and sustainable economic growth across Africa. This significant gathering in Accra could shape future economic policies for many nations.