Bagbin Secures Second Term as CoSPAL Chair

ACCRA: 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 was held at the conclusion of the Second General Assembly of CoSPAL in Accra. According to Ghana News Agency, Speaker Bagbin's re-election underscores his leadership abilities and commitment to democratic principles and parliamentary reforms. The event was significant for Ghana's Legislature, reflecting its active role in African parliamentary affairs. CoSPAL serves as a permanent platform aiming to unite Speakers and Presidents of legislatures across Africa to support the continent's growth and sustainable development. Alongside Speaker Bagbin, Mr. Ibidapo Olufemi Oyewole was elected as CoSPAL Secretary-General, and Madam Anita Annet Among, the Speaker of Uganda's Parliament, was elected as CoSPAL Vice Chairperson. Additionally, four regional CoSPAL Vice Chairs were elected during the assembly. The Accra Conference, chaired by Speaker Bagbin, gathered approximately 120 participants, including 15 Speakers and Presidents of National Legislatures, 30 Deputy Speakers and Presidents, Clerks, Secretary Generals, and support staff from parliaments across Africa. In his remarks, Speaker Bagbin emphasized the importance of African legislatures in advancing the continent's development agenda, asserting that they must play a central role in addressing Africa's challenges. A key outcome of the Accra Conference was the adoption of a new CoSPAL Constitution by the delegates. CoSPAL, established in 2020, aims to foster deliberation, collaboration, and cooperation among African parliamentary leaders to tackle shared challenges and mobilize collective action for the continent's development. The first General Assembly, held in May 2022 in Abuja, laid the groundwork for addressing critical issues related to post-COVID economic recovery and democratic development.