The Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Alban Bagbin has abandoned the Speaker’s cloak for traditional attire.
Mr. Bagbin who was dressed as a King from the Southern part of the country caused a stir when he showed up for the beginning of the second session dressed as a traditional ruler.
This new attire by the Speaker is part of his resolve to change the dress code and code of conduct of parliamentarians.
Describing the cloak worn by speakers as aristocratic, Mr Bagbin explained that he would only wear it for ceremonial purposes.
Mr Bagbin underscored the need to wear made-in Ghana clothing to deliberately market the Ghanaian culture.
“You may be seeing me more in traditional dresses. I may use that [the cloak] only for ceremonial occasions, which is what is in the literature of Ghana concerning that cloak and gown.”
True to his word, the Speaker went ahead and shed the Speaker’s cloak as he opened the second session on Tuesday, January 25, 2022.
His entry into the chamber was characterized with chants from the minority side of the house as his usual ceremonial outfit was ‘missing’ and in place, he had adorned himself with a traditional Kente over a white short-sleeved shirt with a chief’s crown.
He has since been speaking about the need to promote traditional wear in the house and encouraging members of the house to wear traditional wear for sittings.