By Iddi Yire
Accra, Oct 28, GNA – Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, has been re-elected for a second term as Chair of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL).
The election took place on Sunday, October 27, at the end of the Second General Assembly of CoSPAL in Accra.
The election of Speaker Bagbin, who is Ghana’s longest serving legislator is a testament to his strong leadership skills, dedication to democratic principles and parliamentary reforms.
It is also a testament to Ghana’s vibrant Legislature.
CoSPAL is the first permanent platform that seeks to mobilise and unite Speakers and Presidents of legislatures across the continent to support the agenda for Africa’s growth and sustainable development.
Other Officers, who were elected alongside Speaker Bagbin were Mr Ibidapo Olufemi Oyewole, CoSPAL Secretary-General and
the Speaker of Uganda Parliament, Madam Anita Annet Among, CoSPAL Vice Chairperson.
In addition, four other regional CoSPAL Vice Chairs were elected.
The Accra Conference, which was chaired by Speaker Bagbin, brought together about 120 participants including 15 Speakers and Presidents of National Legislatures, 30 Deputy Speakers and Presidents, Clerks /Secretary Generals and supporting staffs of Parliaments and Assemble Nationales across Africa.
Speaker Bagbin in his remarks, urged African legislatures to take an active role in advancing the continent’s development agenda.
“As representatives of our people, we cannot sit on the fringes. legislatures must be at the heart of initiatives aimed at solving Africa’s challenges to meet the needs and aspirations of the people we represent.”
Another significant event at the Accra Conference was the adoption of a new CoSPAL Constitution by the delegates.
CoSPAL was established in 2020 as a platform to facilitate increased deliberation, collaboration, and cooperation between Speakers and Presidents of Parliaments and National Assemblies across Africa to address shared challenges, devise joint strategies, and mobilise collective action to advance Africa’s development.
The first General Assembly was held in May 2022, in Abuja, under the leadership of the then Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, where the foundation was laid for the convergence of heads of African legislatures on critical issues relating to post-COVID economic recovery and democratic development.
GNA