Speaker Bagbin elected chair of Africa group of Inter-Parliamentary Union
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has been elected Chairperson of the Africa Geopolitical Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), a 52-member continental body representing Africa’s parliamentary interests within the global organisation.
His election took place on Sunday, October 19, 2025, during the ongoing 151st IPU Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland.
His election places Ghana at the centre of parliamentary diplomacy and international engagement.
A statement issued in Accra on Monday [October 20, 2025], by the Parliamentary Service and signed by its Director of Media Relations, David Sebastian Damoah, said the new role strengthens Ghana’s place in global parliamentary relations and leadership.
The statement described the Speaker as “a respected figure in international parliamentary affairs and diplomacy.”
It recalled that in addition to his new position, Mr Bagbin currently serves as President of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL) and is the immediate past Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) International.
In his remarks after the election, Mr Bagbin pledged to promote unity and closer ties among African parliaments.
He thanked delegates across the continent for their confidence in him and expressed gratitude to the Nigerian delegation for seconding his nomination. He also commended the Senegalese delegation for withdrawing its nominee to support consensus and African solidarity.
Mr Bagbin outlined his priorities for the role, saying he would work to strengthen legislative institutions across Africa and advance transparency, democratic growth, and sustainable development.
As Chairperson of the Africa Group, he will coordinate the continent’s collective positions on major IPU policies and decisions. He will also represent Africa in global parliamentary discussions on governance, peace, security, and development.
Mr Bagbin succeeds Ms Angela Thokozile Didiza, Speaker of the South African National Assembly, who was acknowledged for her strong performance during her tenure.
The Africa Geopolitical Group, formed in the 1950s, serves as the continent’s branch of the IPU. It ensures fair regional representation within the Union’s Executive Committee and sub-committees and coordinates Africa’s contributions during global parliamentary meetings.
According to the Parliamentary Service, Mr Bagbin’s new role reinforces Ghana’s influence in international parliamentary affairs and affirms the country’s standing as a promoter of good governance and cooperation across Africa.
