The Speaker of Parliament. Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin. has been appointed a member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s (IPU) Task Force on the peaceful resolution of the war in Ukraine.
The President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has appointed Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, to the IPU Taskforce on the War in Ukraine, citing his “integrity, impartiality, and ability to build trust with all parties.”
Speaker Bagbin joins seven other distinguished parliamentarians representing all six IPU geopolitical groups.
In a letter confirming the appointment, the IPU Secretary-General, Martin Chungong, expressed confidence in Speaker Bagbin’s leadership, stating, “We are confident that your 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.”
Formed in March 2022 as an ad hoc body, the IPU Taskforce has served as a key platform for promoting dialogue between Ukrainian and Russian parliamentarians. It has held at least thirteen meetings and conducted a mission to Kyiv and Moscow in July 2022. Additionally, it meets with both delegations every six months during IPU Assemblies.
At a time when diplomatic engagement is limited, the Taskforce remains one of the few forums fostering continued communication between the two sides.
Speaker Bagbin’s inclusion, given his reputation as an experienced peace negotiator, is expected to bring renewed momentum to the group’s efforts toward achieving peace.
As a member of the Taskforce, he will attend meetings during IPU Assemblies, participate in discussions with Ukrainian and Russian delegations, and engage with government leaders from both countries to help de-escalate the ongoing conflict.