Hon. Bernard Ahiafor Elected President of IPU Democracy and Human Rights Committee

The First Deputy Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, Hon. Bernard Ahiafor, has been elected as the President of the Democracy and Human Rights Committee of the African Geopolitical Group within the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). His election took place at the ongoing 150th IPU Assembly being held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from 5th to 9th April 2025.

This prestigious appointment is a significant achievement for Hon. Ahiafor and Ghana’s Parliament, reflecting growing international recognition of the country’s democratic credentials and commitment to human rights.

About the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is the global organization of national parliaments. Established in 1889, it serves as a platform for worldwide parliamentary dialogue and works to promote peace, democracy, and sustainable development through political cooperation and dialogue among its 180 member parliaments.

The IPU facilitates cooperation, exchange of best practices, and collective action on global issues affecting humanity, including climate change, gender equality, peace building, and human rights.

Role of the Democracy and Human Rights Committee

The Committee on Democracy and Human Rights is one of the IPU’s standing committees. It plays a critical role in examining current and emerging challenges to democracy and human rights globally.

These include issues such as threats to electoral integrity, shrinking civic space, political repression, and discrimination. The committee also promotes parliamentary strategies to address such challenges at both the national and international levels.

As part of its mandate, the committee drafts and presents resolutions on key global concerns related to democracy and human rights.

These resolutions are debated and adopted during the IPU Assemblies, becoming the collective voice and political will of the global parliamentary community. The committee also organizes expert hearings, field visits, and capacity-building activities for parliamentarians on democracy-related issues.

Hon. Ahiafor’s Mandate and Vision

As the newly elected President of the Democracy and Human Rights Committee for Africa within the IPU, Hon. Bernard Ahiafor is expected to spearhead efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and human rights protections across the African continent.

His leadership role will include promoting inclusive governance, advocating for the protection of civil liberties, and ensuring that African parliaments contribute meaningfully to the global conversation on democratic development.

Hon Ahiafor election is not only a personal milestone but also a recognition of Ghana’s active role in promoting democratic governance and human rights both at home and within international parliamentary circles.