The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has been unanimously elected Chairperson of the 52-member Africa Geopolitical Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
The election, held on October 19, 2025, during the 151st IPU Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, marks another milestone in Ghana’s growing influence in international parliamentary diplomacy and leadership.
This prestigious appointment underscores Speaker Bagbin’s stature as a global parliamentary statesman, widely respected for his experience and contributions to democratic governance. 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.
As Chairperson of the IPU Africa Group, Rt. Hon. Bagbin will be responsible for coordinating and harmonizing Africa’s collective positions on key IPU decisions and policies. He will also represent the continent’s parliamentary interests on global platforms, advancing Africa’s priorities on governance, peace, security, and sustainable development.
In his acceptance remarks, Speaker Bagbin expressed deep appreciation to his colleagues for the confidence reposed in him and reaffirmed his commitment to fostering unity and collaboration among African parliaments. He commended the Nigerian delegation for seconding his nomination and lauded the Senegalese delegation for graciously withdrawing their candidate in the spirit of African solidarity.
He pledged to champion transparency, democratic consolidation, and the strengthening of legislative institutions as vital tools for sustainable development across the continent.
Speaker Bagbin succeeds Ms. Angela Thokozile Didiza, Speaker of the South African National Assembly, who is credited with an exemplary tenure.
Established in the early 1950s, the Africa Geopolitical Group serves as the IPU’s continental branch, ensuring equitable representation in the Union’s governing structures and coordinating Africa’s common positions on the agenda of IPU assemblies and committees.
Source: Clement Akoloh||parliamentnews360.com
