The Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has urged members of Liberia’s 55th Legislature to put aside their differences and work together for the good of their nation.
Addressing the House of Representatives in Monrovia on Thursday, he called for unity, reconciliation, and consensus-building, emphasizing that political divisions should not hinder national progress.
Speaker Bagbin noted that while disagreements are natural in any democracy, leaders must rise above partisan conflicts to serve the interests of the people.
He reminded lawmakers that their primary duty is to represent and uplift the citizens of Liberia, stressing that governance must prioritize the needs of the people over political competition.
“In times of division, it is tempting to draw lines and retreat into comfortable corners of like-minded voices,” he said. “But history has shown us time and time again that progress is made when we are willing to listen, to engage, and to compromise.”
Referencing Abraham Lincoln’s famous words, “A house divided against itself cannot stand,” the Ghanaian Speaker called on the Liberian legislators to embrace dialogue and cooperation.
He urged them to focus on nation-building by fostering an environment where every voice is heard, every concern is addressed, and every citizen can thrive.
Speaker Bagbin acknowledged Liberia’s ongoing challenges in areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, and economic development, stating that overcoming these difficulties requires collective effort. “It is time to put the people of Liberia first, ahead of any partisanship or personal gain,” he asserted.
His speech was met with applause from members of the Legislature, with many acknowledging the relevance of his message. Some lawmakers expressed their commitment to fostering bipartisan collaboration to drive national development.
As Liberia navigates its legislative agenda for 2025, Speaker Bagbin’s address serves as a reminder that unity remains the foundation of democratic progress. His call for reconciliation and cooperation is expected to shape the political discourse in the coming months.