Madina MP, Francis Xavier Sosu, recently delivered an inspiring lecture at the Center College and University of South in the United States of America.
As a visiting Professor, Mr Sosu had the privilege to speak at Convocations on the theme: “Championing a Free Fair and Just Society through Human Rights Advocacy: Chronicles of a Lawyer, Legislator and Activist.”
The Madina MP took the opportunity to discuss the intersection between law, lawmaking, law enforcement, and activism as guides of social advancement.
One of the highlights of the lecture was where the Madina MP discussed his background as a street child, adopted into an orphanage, and becoming a lawyer inspired his human rights practice and how he translated human rights activism into legislative intervention.
“I spent many years as a street child before finding refuge at the Village of Hope Orphanage, which was a project of Churches of Christ in Ghana. My educational journey led me to graduate from the University of Ghana and the Ghana School of Law, eventually becoming a member of the Ghana Bar in 2010. Before embarking on my legal career, I was deeply involved in student activism, advocating for change in various aspects of leadership in Ghana for over two decades. Currently, I serve as a legislator, human rights lawyer, activist, author, the 2nd Vice President of the United Nations Association of Ghana, and play key roles in my fight.” The Madina MP recalled.
Furthermore, Mr sosu took time to discuss the 17 Private Member Bills he had initiated, some by myself alone and others with colleagues.
Speaking on” Free Fair, Just and Equitable Society”, the MP said, “To understand the context of our discussion, lets hazard a contextual definition. Equity is just and freedom from bias or fair inclusion and Equality is ensuring that every individual has an equal opportunity to make the most of their lives and talents irrespective of whom they were born to, their race, ethnicity or any form of disability. A Free, Fair, Just and Equitable Society is one in which all can participate and prosper without any limitations whether structurally or socially created. The goals of free, fair and just societies must be to create conditions that allow all to reach their full potential – a society that creates a path from hope to change. This was the Society I envisaged while growing in Ghana but from the accounts I will share, my daily expectations were disappointed. Instead of simply becoming a victim of a society that does not live to the full ideals of a just world, I took up the challenge to contribute my quota, through the space offered me as a lawyer, legislator and activist using human rights as a guide”.
Mr Sosus also spent time with students and faculty members to interact and discuss Ghana as the leading democracy in Africa and used the opportunity to sell Ghana to most students who had signed up to study abroad in Ghana this year and 2025.
He also had opportunities to discuss possibilities of Ghanaian students, particularly from the MADINA Constituency to take advantage of the exchange programs to study in the two Colleges.