Ghana’s Parliament has formally congratulated the Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, following her election as Vice President of the Pan-African Parliament, a position that confers ministerial status and diplomatic privileges across the African continent.
The announcement was made on the floor of the House by Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, who read a formal communication from the President of the Pan-African Parliament informing Ghana’s Parliament of Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings’ election and extending congratulations to the Government and people of Ghana.
The letter, dated May 1, 2026, and signed by PAP President Fatih Bothbeek, commended Ghana’s Parliament for its support to Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings and highlighted the significance of her elevation to one of the highest leadership positions within the continental legislative body.
According to the communication, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings now “enjoys ministerial status not only in the host country South Africa but also across the African continent” under the relevant African Union protocols governing the Pan-African Parliament.
The letter further outlined a range of privileges attached to the office, including an appropriate official vehicle, VIP protection, state protocol services, financial support, an official office and support staff to facilitate the discharge of her continental responsibilities.
In response, Speaker Bagbin directed the Clerk to Parliament to immediately engage the Pan-African Parliament Secretariat to obtain details of the requirements and ensure that the necessary arrangements are made.
“Honourable Members, I direct the Clerk to get in touch with the Pan-African Parliament to get the details of these requirements and to proceed to ensure that they are provided to the Vice President,” the Speaker stated.
He emphasized that Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings’ role transcends national representation and carries continental responsibilities.
“On your behalf, I want to congratulate her. Congratulations, Hon. Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings,” Speaker Bagbin added, drawing hear- hear from members of the House.
The Speaker also used the occasion to commend Ghana’s entire delegation to the Pan-African Parliament for what he described as an outstanding performance during the institution’s recent sessions.
He announced that Ghana had secured five key positions within the Pan-African Parliament, underscoring the country’s growing influence in continental legislative affairs.
Apart from Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings’ election as Vice President, First Deputy Speaker and Akatsi South MP, Bernard Ahiafor was elected to serve on the Rules Committee, while Minority Chief Whip and Nsawam Adoagyiri MP, Frank Annoh-Dompreh was elected Chairman of the Health Committee.
Additionally, Majority Chief Whip and South Dayi MP, Rockson-Nelson Etse Kwame Dafeamekpor secured a position on the Finance Committee, while Chairman of the Lands and Natural Resources committee and Asutifi South MP, Collins Dauda was elected to the Trade Committee.
Speaker Bagbin praised the delegation’s achievement, describing it as a testament to the quality of Ghana’s parliamentary representation on the continental stage.
“The delegation excelled in the deliberations of the Pan-African Parliament. It is important that we convey our greatest congratulations to the delegation and encourage others to follow this good example,” he said.
The election of Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings marks a significant milestone for Ghana’s parliamentary diplomacy and places the country at the centre of leadership within the Pan-African Parliament, the legislative arm of the African Union tasked with promoting integration, good governance and democratic accountability across Africa.
By: Christian Kpesese
