The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has been unanimously elected Chairperson of the 52-member Africa Geopolitical Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

The election took place on 19th October 2025 during the 151st IPU Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland.

According to Director of Media Relations of Parliament, David Sebastian Damoah Esq, the development positions Ghana at the forefront of parliamentary diplomacy and international cooperation, further cementing his sstature as one of Africa’s most respected legislative leaders, noted in a press statement on Monday, October 20.

In his new role, Speaker Bagbin will coordinate and harmonise the continent’s collective positions on major IPU decisions and policies.

He will also serve as the principal representative of African parliamentary interests and champion key priorities, including governance, peace, security, and sustainable development.

Following his election, Speaker Bagbin pledged his commitment to strengthening collaboration and unity among African parliaments.

He succeeds Ms Angela Thokozile Didiza, Speaker of South Africa’s National Assembly, who was commended for her exemplary leadership during her tenure.

The Africa Geopolitical Group, established in the 1950s as a regional branch of the IPU, ensures equitable representation of the continent within the Union’s governing bodies and coordinates Africa’s positions on key international parliamentary issues.