Parliament on Thursday ratified the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance aimed at consolidating the gains of democratic governance in Africa. The charter, which was adopted by the African Union in 2007, seeks to entrench a culture of change of political power through the holding of regular free, fair and transparent elections. Chris Kpodo, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, moved the motion on the resolution to ratify the charter and was seconded by Francis Osei-Sarfo (NDC-Karachie West), chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee. presenting the report of the committee, Mr Osei-Sarfo said the adoption of the charter by the Assembly of Heads of States was in response to the unconstitutional changes experienced by some states. He said the committee observed that the charter had clauses that would mandate the Peace and Security Council of the African Union to sanction unconstitutional changes of governments in member states while working to restore democratic order in such countries. Mr Osei-Sarfo said the charter required the ratification of at least 15 member states for it to be implemented; however, only three member-states have so far ratified the charter. He said the committee observed that as the beacon of democracy and good governance in Africa, Ghana must not only merely sign and ratify the charter, but must also be seen to be playing a frontal role in ensuring that other countries try to rectify the agreement. "This can only be possible if Ghana shows the way by ratifying the charter," he added. Shirley Ayorkor Botchway (NPP-Weija) Minority Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, said the charter must be binding and must not be a mere talk shop. Ahmed Ibrahim (NDC-Tain) condemned unconstitutional changes of governments and wondered whether Africa was ready to abide by the Charter. Yaw Baah (NPP Kumawu) expressed the need for security of tenure for Electoral Commissioners to let them be independent minded to conduct free, fair and transparent elections. Ambrose Dery (NPP-Lawra Nandom), Deputy Minority Leader said the charter was an improvement over the "2002 Declaration" but added that the country had not developed the democratic culture and tolerance as manifested in the persecution of political figures after change of governments. Mohammad Mubarak-Muntaka (NDC-Asawase) expressed the need to insulate the Electoral Commissioner from political influence and called for a second look at the winner-takes all political system. Gifty Ohene-konadu (NPP-Asante Akim South) was happy that gender issues had been taken care of in the charter and expressed. the hope that it would be put into practice. Alfred Agbesi (NDC-Ashaiman) expressed the hope" that the implementation of the charter would strengthen Electoral Commissions by way of adequate resources so that "lack of or shortages of voting materials during elections and registration exercises would be things of the past." Alhaji Rashid Pelpuo (NDC-Wa Central), deputy Majority Leader underscored the democratic credentials of Ghana which had become a beacon of democracy in Africa. Credit: The Ghanaian Times