Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Speaker of Ghana’s 9th Parliament, has pledged to leverage his vast knowledge and experience to ensure the House executes its mandate effectively and diligently.
Bagbin, who made history in 2021 as the first Speaker of Parliament to hail from an opposition party, was re-nominated for the role by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and received broad bipartisan support. His re-election reflects his reputation as a unifying figure and a seasoned statesman with decades of legislative experience.
In his acceptance speech following his swearing-in during the inaugural session of the 9th Parliament on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, Bagbin highlighted his unique qualifications for the role.
“I now come to the 9th Parliament with just not that background but now with the experience of four years of speakership of a very difficult hung parliament.
“I promise to bring all these experiences to bear in guiding this house to perform its mandate with efficiency, and diligence.”
He emphasized his commitment to fostering an environment of mutual respect and cooperation among Members of Parliament (MPs) to ensure the efficient functioning of the legislature.
Bagbin, who served as Speaker of the 8th Parliament, has a distinguished record in Ghana’s Parliament, having been an MP from 1993 to 2021. During his tenure, he held key leadership positions, including Majority Leader and Minister for Health.
His stewardship of the 8th Parliament was marked by his ability to navigate a deeply divided House, earning him praise for his impartiality and fairness in moderating debates and decisions.
As Speaker of the 9th Parliament, Bagbin underscored the importance of tackling critical national issues, including economic recovery, social welfare, and governance reforms. He urged MPs to rise above partisan politics and prioritize the needs of the Ghanaian people.
“Parliament must remain a beacon of hope for our citizens. We must work together to strengthen our democracy and deliver on the promises made to our people,” he said.
The swearing-in ceremony for the 9th Parliament also saw the election of Bernard Ahiafor as First Deputy Speaker and Andrew Asiamah Amoako as Second Deputy Speaker. These appointments, alongside Bagbin’s re-election, signal a continuation of experienced leadership in Ghana’s legislature.
Bagbin’s re-election comes at a critical time, with the NDC holding a majority in Parliament and a new administration set to tackle the country’s pressing challenges. His leadership is expected to play a key role in shaping the legislative agenda and fostering unity in the House.
As the 9th Parliament embarks on its legislative journey, Bagbin’s commitment to impartiality and efficiency sets the tone for a productive and impactful term.
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