The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, on Tuesday, 25th January 2022, showed up at work in style in a never-seen-before ensemble.
The Speaker ditched his ceremonial cloak for a traditional attire as he stormed parliament to preside over sitting in the House as MPs resume legislative business.
He was clad in a rich kente cloth over a white lace shirt, capped with a crown as worn by Chiefs from the Volta region at key traditional functions.
Bagbin’s move today was in fulfilment of his promise of limiting the wearing of suits and gowns during sittings in the House to special occasions.
“This is the Parliament of Ghana, it is a unique made in Ghana product and we must showcase and market it to the world as a brand,” Mr Bagbin said.
“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.
The Speaker of Parliament urged the Members of Parliament to take a cue from his outfit and dress in traditional wear just like the first President of the nation, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
”My outfit today, as the speaker, the presiding officer is to set the motion for that agenda. The practice of MPs decently dressed in traditional attire, led by the Speaker is long overdue.”
This is the first time a speaker under the 4th Republic is conducting official business in the chamber with a traditional outfit other than the usual gown.
Some weeks ago, Mr Bagbin indicated that he would only be using the Speaker’s cloak for ceremonial occasions this year, as part of efforts to change the dress code of members of the House.
Social media went agog over the Speaker’s new look.
Below are some reactions from social media
