Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has been officially sworn in as the Speaker of Ghana’s 9th Parliament, marking the beginning of the legislative session under the Fourth Republic.
The swearing-in ceremony took place during the inaugural session of the new Parliament in the early hours of Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at Parliament House in Accra. The event followed the dissolution of the 8th Parliament at midnight, signalling a transition to a new chapter in Ghana’s democracy.
Bagbin, who made history in 2021 as the first Speaker to come from the opposition party, was re-nominated by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the role. His re-election received broad support, reflecting his reputation as a unifying figure and an experienced statesman.
Speaking during the proceedings, Majority Leader Cassiel Ato Forson moved the motion for Bagbin’s nomination, describing him as a leader who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to Ghana’s parliamentary democracy. The motion was seconded by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, albeit with reservations about the nomination process.
The Chief Justice, Gertrude Esaaba Torkornoo, administered the Oath of Office, officially confirming Bagbin as Speaker.
Bagbin’s leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in navigating the dynamics of a Parliament dominated by the NDC, which secured a majority with 183 seats in the 2024 elections. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) holds 88 seats, while four independent candidates complete the composition of the House.
The Speaker’s re-election is seen as a strategic move by the NDC, as Bagbin’s impartiality and extensive experience are expected to foster cooperation and ensure the smooth functioning of the 9th Parliament.
Bagbin has a long and distinguished career in Ghanaian politics, having served as a Member of Parliament for the Nadowli Kaleo constituency for over two decades before transitioning to the Speakership.
His tenure during the 8th Parliament was marked by significant legislative achievements and efforts to uphold the independence of the legislature.
The inauguration of the 9th Parliament signals renewed hope for addressing critical national issues, including economic recovery, healthcare, education reforms, and governance challenges.
Profile
Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin was born on 24 September 1957 to Sansunni Bagbin and Margaret B. Bagbin who were both peasant farmers. He is the fourth child of nine children. He is a member of the Dagaaba ethnic group. He hails from Sombo, Upper West Region of Ghana. Alban Bagbin was educated at the Wa Secondary School and Tamale Secondary School. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Law and English at the University of Ghana in 1980.
He proceeded to the Ghana School of Law at Makola in Accra after which he was called to the bar in 1982. Bagbin also earned an Executive Masters in Governance and Leadership from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).
Bagbin worked as the acting Secretary to the Statistical Service Board at the Bureau of Statistics and Statistical Service from 1980 to 1982. He worked as Personnel Manager of the erstwhile State Hotels Corporation consisting of Ambassador and Continental Hotels between 1982 and 1983, before relocating to Libya to teach English in Tripoli at the Suk Juma Secondary School.
Following Bagbin’s return to Ghana in 1986, he joined Akyem Chambers, a law firm of legal practitioners, consultants and notaries public. As an attorney, eventually rising to become a partner. Whilst working at Okyeman Chambers, between 1989 and 1992, he was appointed as the external solicitor of the Nii Ngleshie royal family of James Town, Credit Unions Association of Ghana (CUA) and several other private business firms within Accra.
After working at Okyeman Chambers for 7 years, he moved from there in 1993 and to date is a partner of the Law Trust company, a legal firm of law practitioners, consultants and notaries public.
Bagbin is a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He was first elected to Parliament during the 1992 Ghanaian General Elections. He represented the Nadowli West Constituency in the Upper West Region. In 2006, Bagbin announced his intentions to run for president in 2008 on the NDC ticket, but he never stood for the primaries. He became the Majority Leader in the Ghanaian parliament in 2009.
Following a cabinet reshuffle in January 2010, he was appointed Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing by President Mills. He was also the Majority Leader of Parliament under President Mahama’s tenure of office, he succeeded Benjamin Kunbuor, who was appointed as the Minister of Defense. He also served as the Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament from January 2017 to January 2021.
He contested for the presidential candidate slot of the National Democratic Congress in 2019 but lost to former President John Dramani Mahama. On 7 January 2021, Bagbin was elected Speaker of 8th Parliament of the Fourth Republic.
