The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has rendered an unqualified apology to the Queen Mothers Association of Ghana and the Traditional Council of Ahafo for inadvertently misrepresenting the titles of a prominent traditional leader during a parliamentary address on Thursday.
While addressing Parliament on the importance of traditional leadership in governance and environmental protection, Mr. Bagbin clarified that he had mistakenly referred to Nana Ama Serwaa Bonsu as the President of the Queen Mothers Association and Queen Mother of Offinso, instead of her correct titles.
“I wish to apologize to the Offinso Traditional Council and the Queen Mothers Association of Ghana for the error,” the Speaker stated.
He explained that Nana Ama Serwaa Bonsu is, in fact, the President of the Queen Mothers Foundation and Queen Mother of Ahafo, not Offinso.
Mr. Bagbin, who himself hails from a royal lineage, emphasized his deep respect for traditional authorities and the need to preserve Ghana’s cultural heritage and governance values.
“As a chief myself, I appreciate and respect traditional protocols and would be the last person to disregard the authority vested in our chiefs and queen mothers,” he said.
The Speaker also reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to working with traditional leaders in promoting constitutional reforms and environmental protection, especially in the ongoing national campaign against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
“I always welcome every opportunity to meet traditional authorities to discuss ways of enhancing their roles in governance and making them focal points of development in the country,” Mr. Bagbin added.
