Alban Bagbin, Speaker of the 9th Parliament of Ghana’s Fourth Republic, has been unanimously elected by Members of Parliament (MPs) from both the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the opposition New Patriotic Party.
Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the Majority Leader, nominated the Speaker following the 8th Parliament’s dissolution at midnight on January 7th.
This prepared the door for the 9th Parliament, led by Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, to hold a roll call of MPs. Addressing the House, Dr. Forson emphasized Bagbin’s significant experience in Parliament and government in general.
The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, seconded the motion, however there was considerable drama involved.
Before seconding the motion, Afenyo-Markin sought to make comments, but the MP for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, strongly opposed them. Ablakwa’s protest was quickly countered by Damango MP Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, eliciting loud shouts from the House.
Afenyo Markin.
In his remarks, Afenyo-Markin questioned President-elect John Dramani Mahama’s letter urging the NDC’s legislative leadership to designate Alban Bagbin as Speaker, accusing the party of “bad faith.”
Following heated debate and stern cautions from the Clerk of Parliament against further objections, the Minority Leader moved to second the motion.
The Speaker’s written approval was then read to the House, and with no additional nominations, Alban Bagbin was declared Speaker-elect of the 9th Parliament.
Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkonoo was then summoned to the floor of the House to swear in Alban Bagbin as Speaker, to cheers from the MPs.
Alban Sumana Bagbin takes on the Speakership with extensive experience, having previously served as the Member of Parliament for Nadowli, Minority Leader, Majority Leader, and Speaker of the 8th Parliament.
Meanwhile, the Speaker has already stated his commitment to the ideals of “justice, fairness, and respect for the rule of law” to guarantee that the 9th Parliament maintains the greatest levels of integrity, openness, accountability, and inclusion.
