Speaker Bagbin’s war against parliamentary colonial relics
Ghana's 8th Parliament stands as a distinct chapter within the 30-year annals of Ghana's parliamentary democracy. From its emergence as a hung parliament to the scuffle that marked its inaugural session, and culminating in the election of an opposition party member as the House's speaker, the events of the 8th Parliament since its inception on January 7, 2021, have been nothing short of groundbreaking.
The ascension of Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the
longest-serving parliamentarian in Ghana's history, as the first opposition
party member to preside over the Legislative arm of government, has introduced
a series of notable shifts in Ghana's parliamentary democracy. One of these
differences is symbolized by the Rt. Hon Speaker's adoption of alternative
regalia, a departure from the conventional ceremonial attire traditionally worn
during House proceedings.
The Speaker said
the House must be seen as a reflection of the Ghanaian identity which includes
dressing traditionally.
In a parliamentary sitting on 24th February
2023 where he adorned traditional regalia notable for Sourthern Ghana royals,
the speaker said, “Hon Members, this is
the Parliament of Ghana, a unique made in Ghana product and we must showcase and
market it to the world as a brand. We must create a unique set of values and
norms that will give a unique character to our Parliament to set it apart from
the colonial legacies of the British system,”
“My outfit today, as the Speaker presiding, is to set
in motion that agenda. The practice of MPs decently dressed in traditional
attire led by the Speaker is long overdue. Ghanaians accept representation of
the people to include representation of the full identity of the Ghanaian.”
Bagbin added: “I am convinced that Ghanaians define representation of the people to include representation of the full identity of
the Ghanaian.
The speaker's move was praised by a section of the
Ghanaian public saying it was a step in the right direction to move away from
colonial relics and called on the Judiciary arm of government to replicate the same
and ditch the colonial wigs.
The speaker has continued on that path of promoting
Ghanaian clothing and advocating for an end to using colonially imposed attires
through his choice of dressing, he however still uses the colonial gown during
ceremonial functions since it is grounded in law to distinguish him from other
members of parliament.
Ghlense.net recaps some pictures of the new choices of regalia by Speaker Alban Bagbin.
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