BY: Valentia Tetteh
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu, has commended the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, for his transformational leadership and commitment to strengthening parliamentary democracy in Ghana.
The Speaker paid a courtesy call on the Asantehene at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Wednesday, October 15, as part of his official engagements in the Ashanti Region.
During the visit, Mr. Bagbin expressed his deepest condolences to the Asantehene and the people of Asanteman following the passing of the Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, and commended Otumfuo for the dignified and well-organized state funeral held in her honour.
The Speaker also briefed the Asantehene on several major transformation projects underway in Parliament aimed at making the legislature more open, transparent, accountable, and accessible to the Ghanaian public. He explained that these initiatives are part of efforts to position Parliament as a true “People’s House” and enhance the capacity of Members of Parliament to perform their deliberative roles effectively.
Mr. Bagbin further made a symbolic request to the Asantehene to replace the two historic Kente cloths that adorn the flanks of the Presidential Seat in the Parliamentary Chamber. The original clothes were donated by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for the commemorative opening of Ghana’s Parliament House in January 1993, marking the beginning of the Fourth Republic.
In response, the Asantehene lauded the Speaker for his exemplary leadership, which he said has significantly elevated the image of Ghana’s Parliament both locally and internationally. Otumfuo promised to provide new Kente clothes to replace the old ones in the Chamber.
The Asantehene also singled out Mr Rockson-Nelson Etse Dafeamekpor, the Majority Chief Whip and MP for South Dayi, for special praise. He described Mr. Dafeamekpor as a dynamic and courageous legislator whose strong voice, commitment, and leadership qualities have earned him national admiration. He urged him to continue being a strong voice for democracy.
Mr. Dafeamekpor was part of the parliamentary delegation led by the Speaker, which included the Second Deputy Speaker, Andrew Amoako Asiamah (MP for Fomena); Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei; Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene; and the Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah-Djietror, along with other senior Parliamentary Service staff.
The visit formed part of ongoing engagements by the Speaker of Parliament to strengthen relations between Parliament and traditional authorities across the country.
