The Upper West Regional Youth Parliament, a youth advocacy group and a towering youth parliamentary model in Ghana has undergone its annual dissolution and reconstitution as mandated by its Standing Orders.
The dissolution, held on December 23, 2024, marked the end of the 13th Parliament, paving the way for the reconstitution of the 14th Parliament, continuing its legacy as a platform for youth engagement and advocacy.
Established in 2010 under the auspices of the National Youth Authority (NYA), the Upper West Regional Youth Parliament has distinguished itself in the area of advocacy and youth development in the country.
Per the parliament's standing orders, the tenure of members is limited to one year, necessitating an annual dissolution and reconstitution process.
Speaking to Info Radio, Rt. Hon. James Baba Anabiga, Speaker of the Parliament, explained that dissolution is an annual process where members of the outgoing Parliament cease to hold their positions, allowing new entrants to join through an application and vetting process.
“The 13th parliament has been dissolved, and we have now constituted the 14th Upper West Regional Youth Parliament. What this simply means is that every year, according to our standing orders, we are supposed to dissolve and reconstitute. Dissolve simply means all people who are members of that particular parliament for that year cease to be members.
“Then another, people take over as members. That does not mean that those who have been members cannot be part, but they still have to go through the processes, register to some extent being vetted before they can join the incoming parliament,” he said.
Prior to the official dissolution and reconstitution, new parliamentarians were taken through an orientation process to get familiarised with the practices, processes and proceedings of the youth parliament.
Addressing members in the chamber, the Wa Municipal Director of the NYA, Mr. Felix Wurah congratulated members of the outgoing Parliament for their contributions and urged the newly constituted 14th Parliament to build on the legacy of their predecessors.
"Your role goes beyond the chamber. The real impact should be felt at the community level, where advocacy and activism can address pressing issues. Use your subcommittees to follow up on resolutions and drive meaningful change," he emphasized.
Mr Wurah also highlighted the benefits of being part of the Youth Parliament, citing personal examples of how members leveraged their experiences to secure educational and professional opportunities.
“Volunteerism and community activism are key attributes that institutions and organizations value. Being part of this parliament provides opportunities that extend beyond the chamber,” he noted.
The 14th parliament retained Rt. Hon. James Baba Anabiga and Hon. Rashida Gbolo as Speaker and First Deputy Speaker respectively while Hon. Fatima Abdul-Latif Batiehaa was elected Second Deputy Speaker.
The Majority wing of the parliament is led by Hon. Aminu Ibrahim as Majority Leader and Leader of Parliamentary Business alongside Hon. Fatima Abubakari, Deputy Majority Leader; Hon. Umar Mufti Zaharadeen, Majority Chief Whip; Hon. Rukaya Issah Kachugu, First Deputy Majority Whip; and Hon. Shazia-Ahmed Ismail, Second Deputy Majority Whip.
The Minority wing is also led by Hon. Amos Kubdaar, Minority Leader; Hon. Gloria Dapilaa, Deputy Minority Leader; Hon. Jie K.D. Erizie, Minority Chief Whip; Hon. Alhassan Kassim, First Deputy Minority Whip; and Hon. Hidayat Mikael, Second Deputy Minority Whip.
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