By: Ashiadey Dotse
The Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has been elected as the new Chairperson of the Africa Geopolitical Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
His unanimous election took place on Sunday, October 19, 2025, during the ongoing 151st IPU Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. The victory places Ghana at the centre of global parliamentary diplomacy and international relations.
The position makes Speaker Bagbin the chief coordinator of the continent’s common positions on major IPU decisions and policies. He will also represent African parliamentary interests on global issues such as governance, peace, security, and sustainable development.
In his acceptance speech, Rt. Hon. Bagbin thanked his fellow African delegates for their trust and unity. He praised the Senegalese delegation for withdrawing their candidate in the spirit of African solidarity and acknowledged the Nigerian delegation for supporting his nomination.
Speaker Bagbin pledged to promote transparency, strengthen democratic governance, and advance sustainable development across Africa through effective parliamentary cooperation.
Before this election, Speaker Bagbin served as President of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL) and was the immediate past Chair of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) International.
He succeeds Ms. Angela Thokozile Didiza, Speaker of the South African National Assembly, who was praised for her outstanding leadership during her tenure.
The Africa Geopolitical Group, formed in the 1950s, serves as the regional branch of the IPU responsible for ensuring fair representation of African countries in IPU committees and for coordinating the continent’s positions at IPU meetings.
One Response
Congratulations 🎊 Rt. Honorable Speaker