Bagbin Officially Sworn in as Speaker of Ghana's 9th Parliament

Accra, Ghana - Jan 7, 2025 - Ghana's 9th Parliament has officially sworn in Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin as its Speaker, marking a significant milestone in the country's parliamentary history. This ceremony, held on January 7, 2025, follows President-elect John Dramani Mahama's endorsement of Bagbin for the Speaker role.

Bagbin's re-election solidifies his position as a pivotal figure in Ghana's parliament, having previously served as Speaker during the 8th Parliament. His nomination was moved by Cassiel Ato Forson, the newly confirmed Majority Leader, and seconded by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, despite some drama surrounding the nomination process.

During the ceremony, Chief Justice Gertrude Esaaba Torkornoo administered the Oath of Office to Bagbin, formally confirming his position as Speaker. In his acceptance speech, Bagbin emphasized the importance of unity and pledged to work impartially to ensure the smooth functioning of the House.

Bagbin's extensive experience in Ghana's parliament spans over three decades, having been first elected as a Member of Parliament in 1992. He has held various leadership positions, including Minority Leader, Majority Leader, and Minister for Health.

As Speaker, Bagbin will play a crucial role in steering the affairs of a legislature dominated by the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which holds a strong majority. His re-election marks a significant moment in Ghana's parliamentary history, as he becomes the first individual to serve two uninterrupted terms as Speaker under presidents from opposing political parties.

Below is the profile of Speaker Bagbin.

Profile of Alban Bagbin

1. The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Bagbin attended the Sombo R. C. Primary and the Wa Secondary Schools in the Upper West Region and proceeded to the Tamale Secondary School in the Northern Region where he obtained his Advanced Level Certificate in 1977.2. He gained admission to the University of Ghana School of Law and graduated in 1980 with a Degree in Law and English. He enrolled at the Ghana Law School and was subsequently called to the Bar in 1982.

3. He holds a Certificate in Privatization in Public Utilities and Infrastructure from the Eastern South Africa Management Institute (ESAMI), Tanzania, and an Executive Master’s Degree in Governance and Leadership from Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) in 2008.

4. Rt. Hon. Bagbin earlier worked with the antecedent of the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) as Assistant Administrative Officer and acting Secretary to the Board. Having joined the Akyem Chambers earlier, he continued with his legal practice whilst at GSS. He was later employed by the erstwhile State Hotels Corporation as Personnel Manager before leaving for Libya to teach English. He returned in 1986 and between 1989 and 1992, he was the external solicitor for a number of Banks, Industries, Stools and other clients.

5. Later, he established a private Law Firm, the Law Trust Company, together with two partners. He was the Managing Partner.

6. The Speaker was elected MP in 1992 and sworn to Parliament in January 1993. He chaired various committees of Parliament, including the Public Accounts Committee, Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, and House Committee.

7. Sometime in late December 2000, he was appointed by then NDC leadership to be its Minority Leader in Parliament. In this role, he distinguished himself. In January 2009, he was again appointed this time as the Majority Leader.

8. He was later brought into the Executive to serve as the Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing, and also as Minister for Health. He also worked as an adviser in the Office of the President.

9. He was returned to Parliament leadership once more as the indefatigable Majority Leader. Again, he distinguished himself.

10. In January 2017, as the record 7th Term MP for Nadowli, he was elected as the 2nd Deputy Speaker to serve under the Speakership of Prof Aaron Mike Oquaye Snr., in the 7th Parliament.

11. Speaker Bagbin has served on a number of Boards and international organizations including the Africa-Caribbean-Pacific Group (ACP), the European Union Joint Parliamentary Assembly (EUJPA), International Council for Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA), and Global Organization for Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC). He served on the Governing Board of the Ghana Ports and Harbors Authority (GPHA), Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), National Media Commission (NMC) and the Legal Aid Board.

12. He was eventually elected as Speaker of the 8th Parliament of the 4th Republic of Ghana. He has been in Parliament since January 1993 to January 2021 as MP for Nadowli and from January as MP for Nadowli and from January 2021 to January 2025 as the substantive Speaker.

13. He is the immediate past President of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and also the President of the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of Parliaments in Africa.

14. He has been a Member of the Ghana Bar Association since 1982. 43yrs at the Bar.

Source: Lead News Online