Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has been appointed to the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s (IPU) Task Force on the peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine war.
The appointment, confirmed in a statement issued by Parliament’s Media Relations Directorate, marks a significant diplomatic recognition for Speaker Bagbin, who now joins seven other distinguished parliamentarians drawn from across the six geopolitical groups of the IPU.
According to the IPU Secretary-General, Martin Chungong, Speaker Bagbin’s appointment reflects his “integrity, impartiality, and ability to build trust with all parties.” He expressed confidence that the Speaker’s leadership and experience “will enhance the work and impact of the Task Force in its mission to support diplomatic efforts in seeking a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine.”
Established in March 2022, the IPU Task Force has played a crucial role in facilitating dialogue between lawmakers from Ukraine and the Russian Federation. The group has convened no fewer than thirteen meetings, including high-level missions to Kyiv and Moscow, and continues to serve as one of the few remaining platforms where parliamentarians from both sides engage directly.
The Task Force also meets with Ukrainian and Russian delegations every six months during IPU Assemblies, maintaining channels of communication even as formal diplomatic avenues narrow.
Speaker Bagbin’s inclusion in the Task Force is expected to further strengthen efforts toward peace. As a seasoned international peace negotiator and broker, he is anticipated to bring renewed resolve and strategic diplomacy to the mission.
In his new role, Speaker Bagbin will attend in-person meetings at IPU Assemblies and take part in hearings and consultations with Ukrainian and Russian parliamentary delegations, with the ultimate goal of helping to de-escalate tensions and pave the way for lasting peace according to a statement signed by the Director of Media Relations of Parliament, David Sebastian Damoah Esq.
Commenting on the development on the floor of parliament, MP for Afadjato South Frank Afriyie congratulated the speaker on the feat. According to him, ‘the 3 wise men’ tag placed on Alban Bagbin and others under the first Mahama administration has now indeed gained international recognition.
Story by: Wiafe Benedict
