Newly elected Vice President of the Pan-African Parliament, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has stressed the need to remind young South Africans of the crucial role played by African nations in the struggle for South Africa’s liberation.

Dr Agyeman-Rawlings stressed that the Pan-African Parliament has a responsibility to ensure that younger generations understand the principles that unite the African continent, a report by myjoyonline.com on May 11, 2026, stated.

“Ghana, together with many other countries across the continent, contributed to the solidarity struggle that eventually led to the liberation of the people of South Africa,” she stated.

Dr Agyeman-Rawlings underscored the importance of recognising the sacrifices made by African countries in areas such as financial support, education, asylum, passports, and logistics.

“Perhaps we are not telling this story enough to the younger generation. They need to be reminded of the sacrifices that were made, including those relating to citizenship and asylum, as well as, the support provided through passports and logistics for those involved in the liberation struggle,” she added.

She also expressed concern over xenophobic attacks in South Africa, describing them as “very unfortunate,” and reiterated that Ghana and other African countries stood firmly behind South Africa during its liberation struggle.

“This is an issue we intend to raise as part of the Pan-African Parliament’s agenda,” she said.

Dr Agyeman-Rawlings was elected Second Vice-President of the Pan-African Parliament on April 30, 2026, during a session held in Midrand, South Africa.

She described her election as “a huge honour” and noted that it marked the first time a woman had occupied the position.

“This victory was a landslide in a highly contested election and was not based on tokenism. My goal is to serve the people of our sub-region, Ghana, and the continent, while advancing the aspirations of Pan-Africanism,” she said.

On her return to Ghana, she was welcomed at the airport by Clerk to Parliament Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, First Deputy Majority Whip Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe, and other senior parliamentary officials.

NAD/VPO

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