ACCRA, Oct 20 (The African Portal) – Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has been elected chairperson of the Africa Geopolitical Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), a 52-member bloc representing the continent’s parliaments within the global body, Ghana’s Parliamentary Service said on Monday.
Bagbin was elected on Sunday during the 151st IPU Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, the statement said. His appointment positions Ghana at the centre of parliamentary diplomacy and international engagement.
The Parliamentary Service described Bagbin as “a respected figure in international parliamentary affairs and diplomacy.” He also serves as president of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL) and is the immediate past chair of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) International.
In his acceptance remarks, Bagbin pledged to promote unity among African parliaments and strengthen legislative institutions across the continent. He thanked delegates for their confidence, acknowledging Nigeria for seconding his nomination and Senegal for withdrawing its candidate to support consensus.
As chair of the Africa Group, Bagbin will coordinate the continent’s collective positions on IPU policies and represent Africa in global discussions on governance, peace, security and development.
He succeeds Angela Thokozile Didiza, speaker of South Africa’s National Assembly, who was recognised for her leadership during her tenure.
Formed in the 1950s, the Africa Geopolitical Group works to ensure fair regional representation within the IPU’s executive bodies and to coordinate the continent’s contributions to global parliamentary meetings.
The Parliamentary Service said Bagbin’s election reinforces Ghana’s influence in international parliamentary affairs and affirms its commitment to good governance and cooperation in Africa.
