African parliamentary leaders reject external influence on family values at conference in Accra

Parliamentary leaders from across Africa have called for greater protection of the continent’s cultural identity and family values, warning against what they describe as increasing external influence on social policies and moral frameworks.

The concerns were raised during the opening of the Fourth African Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values in Accra, where lawmakers and stakeholders gathered to discuss issues surrounding family structures, national sovereignty, and cultural preservation.

The conference comes amid ongoing debates in several African countries, including Ghana, over legislation related to LGBTQI issues and the protection of traditional family values.

Addressing delegates, representatives stressed that African nations must retain the right to define their own social, cultural, and moral standards without pressure from foreign governments or international organizations.

A representative from Eswatini argued that challenges facing the African family have become increasingly evident across the continent, citing concerns about rising divorce rates, child neglect, weakening parental authority, and growing cultural uncertainty among young people.

According to the representative, values such as respect, dignity, faith, family, culture, and tradition remain central to African societies and should continue to guide policy decisions.

“Our role as parliamentarians is not to impose a single model, but to protect the right of African societies to define family in a way that reflects our history, our faith and our lived realities. That is sovereignty,” the representative stated.

The delegate further emphasized that sovereignty includes the ability of African countries to independently enact laws that reflect the aspirations and interests of their citizens.

“Sovereignty means the power of African people to legislate for ourselves without fear or pressure. It means parliament, not foreign capitals, decide what is best for African children,” the representative said.

The conference also featured remarks from the founder and General Overseer of Action Chapel International, Nicholas Duncan-Williams, who called for stronger unity and visionary leadership across Africa.

The Archbishop said Africa possesses enormous natural resources and economic potential but requires purposeful leadership and collective action to unlock sustainable development.

“There is no reason why our continent cannot achieve its goals. We are the richest continent in minerals across the nations of the world,” he said.

However, he noted that national prosperity is driven not only by natural wealth but also by sound governance, responsible leadership, and policies that prioritize citizens' welfare.

“Nations don't become great through military strength, gold, diamonds, oil or mineral resources alone. They become strong and prosperous by deliberately following principles that serve both country and citizen,” he stated.

Archbishop Duncan-Williams further highlighted the importance of a shared vision for national and continental development, urging African leaders to place unity above political, ethnic, and ideological divisions.

“Together we are better than when we are divided. Everything that divides us is an enemy to our progress,” he said.

Drawing inspiration from Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, he argued that Africa's future prosperity depends on deeper cooperation among nations and a commitment to development strategies tailored to the continent’s unique realities.

The Archbishop concluded by expressing hope for an Africa where future generations can build successful lives within their own countries without feeling compelled to seek opportunities abroad.

“I have a dream that in my lifetime Africa will be so developed by principles that work for us. No son and no daughter of Africa will queue for visas to seek greener pastures elsewhere, but will prosper within their own borders,” he said.