Speaker Bagbin Appointed to Mediate in Russia-Ukraine War

By: Nana Kwasi Roka

The Speaker of Ghana’s 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 Russia-Ukraine war.

The appointment, announced by the President of the IPU, recognizes Speaker Bagbin’s integrity, impartiality and proven ability to build trust among conflicting parties. He joins seven other distinguished parliamentarians drawn from all six IPU geopolitical groups on the Task Force.

In a letter confirming the appointment, the Secretary-General of the IPU, Martin Chungong, expressed confidence that Speaker Bagbin’s leadership and experience would strengthen the Task Force’s mission to support diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving peace between Russia and Ukraine.

Established in March 2022, the IPU Task Force has played a key role in facilitating dialogue between Ukrainian and Russian lawmakers. The group has held over thirteen meetings since its inception, including missions to Kyiv and Moscow, and continues to serve as one of the few remaining platforms for engagement between the two nations.

Speaker Bagbin’s inclusion, according to the statement, signals renewed international efforts to broker peace in Ukraine. As part of his role, he will attend in-person meetings during IPU Assemblies and take part in discussions with Ukrainian and Russian delegations, as well as government leaders from both countries.

The Parliamentary Service described the appointment as a testament to Ghana’s growing reputation for peacebuilding and diplomacy on the global stage.