Parliament must Reflect Ghanaian Identity; Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin Leads by Example

The Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has begun a campaign to promote the wearing of traditional outfits in Ghana’s Parliament by lawmakers.

Bagbin said the situation where MPs are seen decently dressed in traditional attire led by the Speaker is long overdue.

The Speaker on Tuesday presided over proceedings in Parliament in a traditional regalia for the first time since his appointment to kick start the agenda.

He has, however, become a butt of jokes on social media after pictures of his new wear went public.

But the Speaker said the House must be seen as a reflection of the Ghanaian identity which includes dressing in a traditional way.

“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,” he posted on Facebook.

“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 – i. e. Culture, Tradition and more importantly their dress code! Much love!.”