Parliamentary leaders from across Africa have expressed concern about what they describe as growing external pressure on the continent’s cultural and family value systems, urging countries to uphold their sovereignty and preserve traditions that reflect their social norms.

The concerns were raised at the Fourth African Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values in Accra, which has brought together Speakers and parliamentary representatives from across the continent.

Discussions at the conference come amid debates in several African countries, including Ghana, over legislation relating to LGBTQI issues. Delegates stressed the need for African nations to determine their own approaches to matters concerning family and societal values.

Speaking at the event, the President of the Senate of Eswatini cautioned against external influence on family value systems and called on African countries to protect their cultural identities.

Also addressing the conference, Nicholas Duncan-Williams, General Overseer of Action Chapel International, called for stronger cooperation among African nations.

He urged African states to promote unity, collaboration and a shared vision to advance development and protect the continent’s interests globally.