Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Bagbin has delivered a Christmas message to Ghanaians, emphasising the importance of unity and acceptance following the 2024 general elections.

Reflecting on the year, Bagbin called on all citizens to embrace the election results with humility and a commitment to nation-building.

In his address, the Speaker highlighted the challenges faced during the year, including issues of governance, the economy, and democracy.

Despite these hurdles, he encouraged Ghanaians to see them as opportunities for growth and to thank God for His blessings.

“I am happy that God has intervened in a rather very difficult election in this country. None of us thought that this would be the outcome of the 2024 general elections. But as God would have it, it has happened,” Bagbin said.

He urged all citizens to accept the outcome of the elections, attributing it to divine will.

“My call to each and every one of us is to accept the results in humility, to agree that this is how the Almighty God wants it to be, and for us to reflect deeply, think into our souls and ourselves, and see what went wrong and what went right for each and every one of us, and also for the country.”

A Call for Unity and Dialogue

Bagbin stressed that unity is paramount for national progress. He warned against division, emphasizing the dangers of tribalism and hatred.

“Without a nation, we live in silos, we live in tribes, we will be divided, and that will give room for hatred, and as we know, the devil will play his role. It’s important for us to come together, to be open to each other, to dialog, and to try to use peaceful means, the rule of law, to resolve our differences,” he advised.

Youth and the Future of Ghana

The Speaker also inspired hope among the youth, reassuring them of Ghana’s promising future and its status as a beacon of democracy in Africa.

“Please, the youth, more importantly, the future is bright. I can assure you that Ghana is on the right path. We still remain the beacon of hope, the beacon of democracy, and the country that our colleagues on the African continent are looking up to. Ghana is still seen as the Mecca of the Black race,” he said.

Bagbin lauded Ghana’s 32 years of multiparty democracy, urging the nation to build on this legacy and continue to uphold democratic principles.

Appreciation and Festive Wishes

The Speaker expressed gratitude to the nation’s leadership, traditional authorities, clergy, and the media for their roles in sustaining the nation’s progress. He acknowledged the media’s critical contribution, saying, “Without them, we lose; we’ll be in darkness and not listening to each other. They have lubricated the wheels of governance.”

Concluding his message, Bagbin extended festive greetings to all Ghanaians.

“I want to take this opportunity again to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. May the good Lord continue to bless all of us and keep our nation greater and stronger.”