The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has outlined the official benefits attached to the position of Second Vice-President of the Pan-African Parliament, now held by Ghanaian MP Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings, during proceedings in Parliament in Accra on Tuesday, June 2.
The announcement comes after Dr. Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings, Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle, was elected to a senior leadership role at the Pan-African Parliament, prompting formal communication of her entitlements and protocol support from Ghana’s Parliament.
According to Speaker Bagbin, the position carries significant diplomatic and administrative privileges designed to support her continental responsibilities.
Ministerial Status and VIP Protection Among Key Benefits
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Bagbin explained that Dr. Agyemang-Rawlings will enjoy a range of official privileges across African Union member states.
He stated that her entitlements include:
- Ministerial status in all African countries
- Official vehicle for duty-related travel
- VIP security protection
- State protocol services
- Financial support linked to her role
- Official office space
- Dedicated support staff
These benefits, he noted, are necessary to ensure she is fully equipped to carry out her duties effectively as a senior officer of the Pan-African Parliament.
Parliament Moves to Coordinate Official Support
Speaker Bagbin further directed the Clerk of Parliament to engage with the Pan-African Parliament to obtain full details of the entitlements and ensure they are properly implemented in line with African Union protocols.
The move is intended to streamline administrative support and guarantee that Ghana’s representative receives all required facilitation at both national and continental levels.
Official Communication From Pan-African Parliament
During the sitting, Bagbin also read a formal communication from the President of the Pan-African Parliament, Fateh Boutbig, addressed to Ghana’s leadership.
The letter urged Ghana to fully support Dr. Agyemang-Rawlings in the discharge of her duties, stressing the importance of national backing for her continental role.
Parliamentarians present were informed that Ghana’s delegation has performed strongly within the Pan-African Parliament, securing leadership positions in several key committees.
Ghana MPs Holding Committee Roles at Pan-African Parliament
The Speaker highlighted the performance of Ghana’s delegation, noting their growing influence in continental parliamentary affairs.
The following Members of Parliament were recognised for their committee roles:
- Hon. Bernard Ahiafor – Rules Committee Member
- Hon. Frank Annoh-Dompreh – Chair, Health Committee
- Hon. Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor – Finance Committee Member
- Hon. Collins Dauda – Trade Committee Member
Bagbin said these appointments reflect Ghana’s strong representation and credibility within African legislative structures.
Why This Matters for Ghana’s Political Influence
Dr. Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings’ elevation is seen as a boost for Ghana’s visibility in continental governance.
Her role places her at the centre of African legislative coordination, policy dialogue, and parliamentary diplomacy, with access to high-level decision-making platforms.
The clarification of her benefits also underscores how continental positions are supported through structured diplomatic and state-level backing.
