Bagbin unanimously re-elected as Speaker of 9th Parliament

Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has been re-elected as Speaker of Ghana’s 9th Parliament under the Fourth Republic.

The unanimous decision by Members of Parliament (MPs) during the inauguration of the 9th parliament on January 7, 2025, followed his endorsement for the Speaker role by President-elect John Dramani Mahama on Sunday, January 5, 2025.

Majority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson officially nominated Mr. Bagbin for the Speaker role, citing his distinguished career and transformative leadership. In line with Parliamentary Standing Orders 72 and 84, the nomination was submitted with Mr. Bagbin’s written consent and backed by a motion from a member.

“I move that Hon. Alban Bagbin do take the chair of this House as the Speaker of the 9th Parliament,” Dr. Forson stated, highlighting Bagbin’s extensive expertise as a lawyer, politician, and statesman. Dr. Forson underscored Mr. Bagbin’s pivotal contributions to reshaping parliamentary governance.

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin seconded the nomination, acknowledging the Speaker’s unparalleled experience and leadership. He praised Mr. Bagbin’s dedication to fostering legislative consensus and his steadfast commitment to fairness and national progress.

However, Mr. Afenyo-Markin raised concerns about the lack of adequate consultation and procedural gaps in Mr. Bagbin’s nomination by President-Elect John Mahama. These objections were dismissed by Clerk of Parliament Ebenezer Djietro as unsubstantial.

Following a brief meeting, the clerk declared, “With no other nominations for the position of Speaker, I hereby declare Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin as the Speaker of the 9th Parliament.”

Mr. Bagbin was subsequently sworn in by Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, marking another significant milestone in Ghana’s legislative history.

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Bagbin conveyed deep gratitude for the trust reposed in him and reaffirmed his commitment to fostering bipartisan cooperation and ensuring fairness in parliamentary proceedings.