By Godwill Arthur-Mensah
Accra, Oct. 29, GNA – Speaker Alban Bagbin has received bipartisan praise from Members of Parliament (MPs) following his election as Chairperson of the 52-member Africa Geopolitical Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
MPs from both the Majority and Minority sides of Parliament lauded Mr Bagbin’s achievement, describing it as a testament to his decades-long dedication to democratic governance.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, while praising the Speaker, commended Mr Bagbin’s exceptional contributions to parliamentary democracy.
Mr Ayariga highlighted Mr Bagbin’s “incredible record in parliamentary democracy,” noting his leadership as instrumental in elevating Ghana’s voice in global legislative affairs.
Mr Habib Iddrisu, Member of Parliament for Tolon and First Deputy Minority Chief Whip, lauded Mr Bagbin for ensuring harmony in the House and his unifying role as Speaker of Parliament despite being a former legislator for the ruling National Democratic Congress.
During the 151st IPU Assembly held in Geneva on October 19, 2025, Mr Bagbin was unanimously elected to lead the Africa Group, a role that positioned Ghana at the forefront of global parliamentary diplomacy.
His new responsibilities included coordinating Africa’s unified positions on major IPU decisions and representing the continent’s legislative interests on the international stage.
Mr Bagbin’s election adds to his distinguished portfolio, which includes serving as President of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures, and immediate past Chairman of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association International.
His colleagues emphasized that the milestone not only honours Mr Bagbin personally, but also enhances Ghana’s reputation in international diplomacy and legislative leadership.
The Parliamentary Service described him as “a global parliamentary colossus” whose influence continues to shape the future of African and global parliamentary cooperation.
During the 151st IPU Assembl, Mr Bagbin thanked African delegations for their support, particularly Nigeria for seconding his nomination and Senegal for withdrawing its candidate in the spirit of cooperation.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah