Dr Agyeman-Rawlings takes office as Pan-African Parliament 2nd Vice-President
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has been sworn into office as the Second Vice-President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP).
The swearing in followed her overwhelming election on April 30 during the just-ended session of the continental body in Midrand, South Africa.
She secured 131 votes against 51 for her opponent, a result widely interpreted by observers as a strong endorsement of her leadership credentials by members representing the African Union’s 55-member states.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings, who is the Chairperson of the Security and Intelligence Committee in Ghana’s Parliament, becomes the first female representative of the West African Caucus to occupy the position in the history of the PAP.
Her election followed the election of a new Bureau to steer the affairs of the continental body for the next term.
Other officers
The newly elected Bureau is made up of representative legislators from Africa’s five regions.
They are Fateh Boutbig from Algeria / North Africa as the President; Dr Ashebir Gayo from Ethiopia/ East Africa as the First Vice-President; Djidda Mamar Mahamat from Chad/ Central Africa as the Third Vice-President, and Arlete Da Visitacao from Angola/Southern Africa as the Fourth Vice-President.
In brief remarks after taking the oath, Dr Agyeman-Rawlings, a medical doctor and three-term legislator, signalled her readiness to serve.
She said her focus would remain on “deepening democratic governance, championing health equity, and ensuring that the voices of young people across Africa are heard and represented.”
Milestone
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings’ election to the bureau’s third-highest office marks a significant milestone not only for Ghana’s representation but also for the push for greater youth and female leadership within the continental legislative institution.
Her tenure on the continent’s stage has focused on health equity, youth empowerment, and the strengthening of democratic institutions.
Following the announcement of the results, fellow parliamentarians were seen congratulating the newly elected Vice-President.
The overwhelming margin of victory signals a unified desire for her leadership as the PAP continues its work on harmonising laws, promoting human rights, and advancing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agenda.
What’s PAP?
The Pan-African Parliament, established in 2004, is the legislative arm of the African Union, tasked with representing the people of Africa and fostering closer continental integration.
As the legislative arm of the African Union, it plays a central role in promoting democracy, good governance, and policy coordination across member states, bringing together lawmakers from across Africa to deliberate on issues of continental importance.
