Salutations
- Rt. Hon Stephen Harper, the 22nd Prime Minister of Canada and Chairman of the International Democrat Union
- Hon. Mrs. Frema Osei Opare, the First Female Chief of Staff of the Republic of Ghana
- Mr Peter MacManu, Vice President of the International Democrat Union
- Her Excellency Louisa Atta-Agyemang, President of the Young Democrat Union of Africa
- Leaders of the International Democrat Union
- Leaders of the Democrat Union of Africa
- Leaders of the Young Democrat Union of Africa
- Leaders of sister political parties from other African countries
It is an honour that I am receiving you, the Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper and your team on behalf of His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the good people of Ghana. Kindly accept the sincerest apologies from the President who earnestly anticipated your coming but has had to leave the country yesterday for an emergency national assignment. I welcome you with the pleasurable Ghanaian Akwaaba to the Jubilee House, the seat of government.
- We are very much delighted to have you and leaders of both the International Democrat Union and Young Democrat Union of Africa visit us here in Ghana. I know this visit is not the first and certainly it will not be the last.
- As a country, our pursuit of deepening democratic ideals is one that is valued by all, from state officials to the very ordinary Ghanaian, a typical reasoning for the successes we have attained since the inception of the 4th Republic in 1992.
- It is worth stating that we appreciate the flourishing relationship with the International Democrat Union especially for us on the right side of the political spectrum. The continuous support your outfit has given us is worth commending. As a country, we share a lot of deep appreciation to Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper.
- I will like to use this opportunity to appreciate the hard work of Her Excellency Louisa Atta Agyemang and her colleagues at the Young Democrat Union of Africa, for the effort to shape quality governance and advance the values of center right ideology on the African Continent. It is even inspiring knowing the work that has gone into this project. I would like to also commend the relentless effort put into this project by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.
- Ladies and Gentlemen, the state of our demographic structure as a continent makes it more imperative to factor young people in the conversations about governance. The statistic from all quarters shows how dominating our youth force is as a continent, OUR RESPONSIBILITY AS LEADERSHIP IS CLEARLY TO THE YOUTH.
- In this direction, I believe that the initiative to organize a High-Level Lecture Series on Governance is an important tool in providing information and education to young people which is critical to ensure that many young people take part in the political and democratic process. They will do that from an informed perspective.
- It is more refreshing to note that the maiden edition will have the very venerable Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper, whose work in promoting democracy, good governance and the values of center right, both during his time as Prime Minister of Canada and as Chairman of the International Democrat Union, as Keynote Speaker.
- I am of the conviction that this is not only a suitable choice but very ideal to ensure that the project starts off on a good footing. Prime Minister Harper has his reputation preceding him in the promotion of democracy and center right ideals all over the world. Ghana as a country is grateful to have the honour of hosting the maiden edition.
I want to also say that as a government and a people we are committed to promoting the ideals of democracy and are happy to associate with works of the International Democrat Union and the Young Democrat Union of Africa, trusting that, through our collective effort we can sustain such initiatives.
Our government led by His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, continues to champion democratic values that offer the people true opportunity to be part of the governance process such as the passing of the Right to Information Bill, to grant access to vital information by citizenry. The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) center right values has never been in question knowing that our stay in government has seen us pursue initiatives that promote private sector growth, free and open market policies and a property-owning democracy.
Our drive on one district one factory, which is empowering businesses is a clear indication of our commitment to these ideals. Very soon we are rolling out the YOUSTART INITIATIVE which is targeted at supporting many young people into going into businesses and growing them. Indeed, the center-right democracy is a pivot to grow our socio-economic prospects and that is what this government is pursuing.
As a true center-right proponent and a believer in free trade, Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper is credited with the conceptualization of the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA), which was an agreement between the European Union and Canada, to cut tariffs and promote trade between them.
Similarly, President Akufo-Addo has been a huge pillar behind the promotion of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) which is envisioned to eliminate trade barriers and promote trade amongst African Countries. Ghana proudly serves as the host and headquarters for the Secretariat. This act and commitment of promoting intercontinental trade by Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper and President Akufo-Addo, is a center right value.
Over the years, President Akufo-Addo, who doubles as the Chairperson of ECOWAS has been known for his endearing role in the advancement of the ideals of democracy, stability and rule of law in Ghana and across the African continent. I am extremely glad that his work has gained the approbation and recognition of the Young Democrat Union of Africa.
On behalf of the President and the people of Ghana, we are grateful for the recognition. You have the assurances of the president to continue to pursue programs and policies which consolidate our gains in our democratic credentials and work towards a peaceful and sustainable Africa. The quest for peace and stability on the continent cannot be toned down; it is an essential bedrock in realizing resilient and sustainable societies.
Distinguished Guests, as I end, permit me to reiterate the commitment of President Akufo-Addo to democracy and stability, this is important, especially in establishing a prosperous society that provides young people a pathway into the future.
To Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper and IDU, we wish you a memorable stay in Ghana. To all the delegates from across the continent, I wish you fruitful stay and deliberations.
Akwaaba!
God bless our homeland Ghana
God bless us all
