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Speaker Bagbin Elected Chairman of IPU Africa Group,Ghana Rises to Global Parliamentary Leadership
By Justice Baffour//www.dailywatchgh.com
Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has been unanimously elected as Chairperson of the 52-member Africa Geopolitical Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), a major diplomatic and leadership achievement that cements Ghana’s growing influence in global parliamentary affairs.
The election, which took place during the 151st IPU Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, marks a significant moment in the country’s parliamentary history. The victory elevates Ghana to a prominent seat in international parliamentary diplomacy, further showcasing Speaker Bagbin’s towering influence and experience in legislative leadership.
This new appointment adds to Rt. Hon. Bagbin’s impressive record as a global statesman. He currently serves as President of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL) and is also the immediate past Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) International.
These roles highlight his longstanding commitment to advancing parliamentary excellence, good governance, and democratic consolidation across Africa and beyond.
As Chairperson of the IPU Africa Group, Speaker Bagbin will lead efforts to coordinate Africa’s collective positions on key IPU resolutions and global policy issues. His mandate also includes promoting unity among African parliaments and ensuring that the continent’s priorities on governance, peace, and sustainable development remain high on the global agenda.
In his acceptance remarks, Speaker Bagbin reaffirmed his dedication to fostering collaboration and consensus among African parliaments. He extended gratitude to all delegations for their support, singling out the Nigerian delegation for its instrumental role in seconding his nomination.
Speaker Bagbin also commended the Senegalese delegation for voluntarily withdrawing their candidate in a show of solidarity, describing it as a true reflection of African unity and maturity in leadership.
He outlined his vision to champion transparency, strengthen democratic governance, and accelerate sustainable development through the empowerment of legislative institutions across the continent.
The Ghanaian Speaker succeeds Ms. Angela Thokozile Didiza, Speaker of the South African National Assembly, who is widely credited for her excellent leadership and contributions during her tenure as Chair of the Africa Group.
Established in the early 1950s, the Africa Geopolitical Group is one of the five regional blocs of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. It was created to ensure Africa’s fair representation in the IPU’s Executive Committee, sub-committees, and other governing bodies.
The Group also formulates Africa’s common positions on global parliamentary issues, coordinates representation during General Assembly meetings, and proposes African candidates for international parliamentary leadership roles.
Speaker Bagbin’s election is widely seen as both a diplomatic victory for Ghana and a symbol of Africa’s growing assertiveness in shaping the global parliamentary agenda. His leadership is expected to strengthen collaboration across African legislatures and amplify the continent’s voice in international decision-making.
Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, addressing delegates after his election as Chairperson of the IPU Africa Group at the 151st Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland.
