MPs Congratulate Speaker Bagbin on Election as President of CoSAP

Members of Parliament on Thursday extended their warm graduation to the Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Alban Bagbin on his election as President of the Conference of Speakers and Heads of African Parliaments (CoSAP).

The MPs extended their congratulation in contribution to a statement by Hon Emmanuel Kwesi Bedzrah, MP for Ho West.

“As we celebrate this remarkable achievement, the words of Nelson Mandela reverberate within us: “It is in your hands, to make a better world for all who live in it.” Your visionary leadership and profound understanding of the significance of collaborative action are evident in your commitment to strengthen the future and longevity of Africa’s democratic dispensation. We wholeheartedly support your efforts to forge partnerships with neighboring Parliaments, fostering a culture of collaborative representation at every level of governance,” he said in his congratulation statement.

Speaker Bagbin was recently elected by Speakers and Heads of Africa Parliament as it President at Abuja , Nigeria.

He took over from Nigerian House of representative, Femi Gbajabiam.

Full Statement by Hon Bedzrah

STATEMENT IN HONOUR OF THE APPOINTMENT OF RT. HON A.S.K. BAGBIN AS PRESIDENT, CONFERENCE OF SPEAKERS AND HEADS OF AFRICAN PARLIAMENTS BY EMMANUEL KWASI BEDZRAH – MP, HO WEST AND ECOWAS
Mr. Speaker,
I wish to extend gratitude to you for the opportunity to join the numerous well-wishers both in Ghana and the continent at large in expressing my heartfelt congratulations to you, Rt. Hon. Speaker on your well-deserved appointment as President of the Conference of Speakers and Heads of African Parliaments (CoSAP).
Your appointment and inauguration into office which took place in Abuja, Nigeria on 27th May, 2023 brings an indescribable sense of honor and excitement to our nation.
The establishment of the Conference of Speakers and Heads of African Parliaments (CoSAP) is a landmark initiative that reflects our shared commitment to increased collaboration, cooperation, and the pursuit of joint solutions to address the common challenges faced by our beloved continent. Your appointment serves as a testament to your exceptional leadership qualities and unwavering dedication to the advancement of Africa’s democratic principles and development.

As we celebrate this remarkable achievement, the words of Nelson Mandela reverberate within us: “It is in your hands, to make a better world for all who live in it.” Your visionary leadership and profound understanding of the significance of collaborative action are evident in your commitment to strengthen the future and longevity of Africa’s democratic dispensation. We wholeheartedly support your efforts to forge partnerships with neighboring Parliaments, fostering a culture of collaborative representation at every level of governance. May you succeed as you lead this noble institution to advocate for Debt Cancellation Campaign Initiative (DCCI).

Your call to safeguard and strengthen the role and powers of legislatures across the continent is of paramount importance. Kwame Nkrumah once said, “I am not African because I was born in Africa, but because Africa was born in me.” It is imperative that we prioritize inclusive budgeting and policy planning to ensure that the needs of women, youth, and people living with disabilities are addressed, and that they are provided with equal opportunities to thrive and contribute to the development of our great continent.

The urgency with which you emphasize the creation and sustainability of an enabling legislative environment for public-private partnerships, as well as the enhancement of the capacity and effectiveness of African inter-parliamentary institutions, is truly commendable. Your vision aligns perfectly with the ideals of great leaders such as Julius Nyerere, who believed that unity is not an abstract concept but a practical necessity for the survival of our people. Through your leadership, we are confident that Africa will witness tangible progress in public financial and economic management, collaborative strategies, and the resolution of critical issues that affect us all.
Honorable Speaker Bagbin, your rich political and leadership background makes you eminently capable of delivering on this mandate. Your mentorship and guidance have positively impacted numerous Members of Parliament including myself, providing us with invaluable opportunities and exposure to serve on several sub-regional, continental, and global inter-parliamentary associations. Your dedication to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, the Pan African Parliament, and various other parliamentary associations has strengthened our ability to contribute meaningfully to the global discourse and advocate for the interests of our nation.
The news of your appointment has filled the hearts of the Ghanaian people with immense pride and joy. We recognize the significance of this moment, as it reinforces our belief in the power of African unity and leadership. As members of Parliament, we stand firmly united in our unwavering support for you, Rt Honorable Speaker as you undertake this noble endeavor. We have complete confidence in your ability to lead with integrity, wisdom, and a relentless commitment to the advancement of Africa’s parliamentary institutions and the betterment of our beloved continent.
Once again, please accept my warmest congratulations on your appointment as the President of the Conference of African Heads of Parliament. May your tenure be filled with resounding success, and may your leadership pave the way for a united, prosperous, and harmonious Africa.