Signs in the country do not assure hope – Bagbin laments youth joblessness, hopelessness

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has called for immediate and collaborative action in executing the duties imposed on members of the House.

In his opening remarks following Parliament‘s return from break on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, the Speaker noted with concern the happenings in the country, especially on issues of security during the recent limited voter registration exercise.

“The signs and signals of happenings in the country do not assure hope. I shudder when I am told that people going to register carry knives and guns, just to go and write names.

“What about when we are going to vote, and at the end of it all, the results are announced, and someone else has carried the day and not the other? I shudder to picture what will happen,” he said.

While making his point, the Speaker expressed concern over the state of the youth in the country, noting that things may spiral out of control if issues such as employment are not tackled immediately.

“Apart from that, the joblessness, the homelessness, and the hopelessness of the youth cannot be taken lightly. We must act together and now to prevent a journey to calamity or a journey of no return,” he stated.

He announced that he would be leading the legislature to take steps to engage stakeholders in ensuring a free and fair 2024 presidential and parliamentary election come December 7, 2024.

The move, according to the Speaker, is to avert any breach of the peace and stability of the country as a result of a disputed election.

Alban Bagbin revealed that the team from Parliament, together with prominent members of the clergy, will be engaging the Electoral Commission (EC), the Police, National Security Council, presidential candidates, party executives, among others, all geared towards a peaceful poll.