THE Member of Parliament (MP) for Korle Klottey, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, returned home from South Africa on Thursday to a rousing welcome at the Accra International Airport after her election as the Second Vice President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP).
Leading the reception at the VIP Terminal was the Chairperson of Parliament’s Women’s Caucus and MP for Ada, Mrs Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe, who was joined by the Clerk to Parliament, Rev. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, the Majority Chief Whip, Mr Rockson-Nelson Etse Dafeamekpor, and other dignitaries of the House.
Arriving at about 3:30 p.m, Dr Zanetor, elegantly dressed in a cream-coloured long-sleeved outfit, stepped out from her black car to the sounds of drumming and dancing amid cheers from the dignitaries who had come to welcome her.
She was presented with a bouquet of flowers and a citation in recognition of her achievement.
In a brief address, Dr Zanetor expressed appreciation to the dignitaries and members of the public who supported her campaign and took time from their busy schedules to welcome her home.
According to her, the victory was not only personal but also a proud moment for Ghana.
“This is an honour for Ghana. It is the second time our country has held this position and the first time a woman has occupied it,” she said.
Dr Zanetor noted that the election was fiercely contested and required support from all five regions of the African continent.
She pledged to use her new office to champion democracy, peace and development across Africa.
“Indeed, there is so much work to do, and I believe that at a time like this, when we have so much conflict and reversals in democracy, parliamentary democracy has never been more important,” Dr Zanetor stated.
“As I pledged during my campaign, I will serve the people of the sub-region and Ghana, work to ensure that the aspirations of the people of the continent are achieved, and help make Pan-Africanism a reality,” she said.
Touching on xenophobic attacks in South Africa, Dr Zanetor stressed the need for younger generations to remember the sacrifices made by African countries during South Africa’s liberation struggle.
She revealed that the matter would feature prominently on PAP’s agenda going forward.
For his part, Mr Dafeamekpor congratulated Dr Zanetor and praised her advocacy on issues affecting women and the girl-child, saying her commitment and leadership contributed significantly to her election.
Rev. Djietror, speaking on behalf of the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, as well as Majority Leader, Mr Mahama Ayariga, and Minority Leader, Mr Alexander Afenyo-Markin, also congratulated Dr Zanetor and wished her success in her new role.
Dr Zanetor secured the position last month during PAP’s Extraordinary Session in Midrand, South Africa, winning decisively with 131 votes against her opponent’s 51.
BY BENJAMIN ARCTON-TETTEY
