On 16 May 2018, 31 extraordinary women and men gathered in the National Council Chamber for a one-day model-parliament session as ambassadors of homeless people at the heart of Parliament.
The theme of the session was: “Voice of the Voiceless…Dignity Restored”. Speaking after the event, Chairperson of the National Council, Honourable Margaret Mensah-Williams said: “The theme tells a story of a group of people who were once voiceless, but now have been given a chance to speak and to be heard. As a result, they now feel empowered and that their dignity, once lost, has now been restored.”
“By bringing the voice of the homeless people to the public and national platform that is the National Council, we have now learned what their key priorities and major concerns are”, she said.
During the session, officials from ministries such as Home Affairs and Immigration, Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Health and Social Services, as well as City Police made representations and engaged with delegates to address some of their concerns and answer some questions.
After that, the delegates held a two-hour-long debate in three broad areas, namely, shelter and housing, unemployment, and human rights. They then proceeded to pass seven resolutions in areas, such shelter provision, alcohol & drug abuse, and lack of access to public services, that they feel Government could assist them as they continue their fight for reintegrated back into mainstream society.
Hon. Mensah-Williams announced to the delegates that the report of the Homeless People’s Parliament will be tabled in the National Council for consideration. She further informed them that her office has in place a plan of action through which she will render assistance to street kids and homeless people.