Alban Bagbin Re-elected as Speaker of Ghana’s 9th Parliament

Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has been re-elected as Speaker of Ghana’s 9th Parliament under the Fourth Republic, a decision made unanimously by Members of Parliament (MPs) during the inaugural session on January 7, 2025. This re-election reflects the strong confidence MPs have in Mr. Bagbin’s leadership abilities and his wealth of experience in parliamentary affairs.

Mr. Bagbin, who is widely respected for his impartiality and commitment to upholding parliamentary excellence, first made history in 2021 by becoming the first Speaker to be elected from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). His re-election marks yet another significant chapter in his long and distinguished career. In his acceptance speech, Mr. Bagbin expressed deep gratitude for the trust placed in him by his fellow MPs, underscoring his unwavering commitment to promoting bipartisan collaboration and ensuring fairness in the legislative process.

Ato Forson Highlights Bagbin’s Leadership and Expertise

The Majority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, formally nominated Mr. Bagbin for the Speaker’s position, emphasizing his remarkable career and transformative leadership in Parliament. Following the guidelines outlined in the Parliamentary Standing Orders, specifically Orders 72 and 84, Mr. Bagbin’s nomination was accompanied by written consent and supported by a motion from another MP.

Dr. Forson spoke highly of Mr. Bagbin’s vast expertise as a lawyer, politician, and statesman. He highlighted Bagbin’s instrumental role in shaping Ghana’s parliamentary governance and his contributions to strengthening the country’s democratic processes. Dr. Forson’s endorsement underscored the speaker’s invaluable experience, which he believed would continue to serve the interests of the nation.

Afenyo-Markin Endorses Bagbin’s Nomination

The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, also supported Mr. Bagbin’s nomination, underscoring his unparalleled experience and leadership credentials. Afenyo-Markin praised Bagbin for his exceptional record in fostering legislative consensus across party lines and for his steadfast commitment to fairness and national development.

The Minority Leader also acknowledged Mr. Bagbin’s ability to unite MPs from diverse political backgrounds, facilitating productive dialogue and collaboration. This skill in bridging political divides was seen as essential for the successful functioning of the 9th Parliament, especially given the current political climate.

Bagbin Declared Speaker, Sworn in by Chief Justice

After a brief period of deliberation, the Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Djietro, announced that there were no other nominations for the position of Speaker. He then declared, “With no other nominations for the position of Speaker, I hereby declare Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin as the Speaker of the 9th Parliament.” Following this, Mr. Bagbin was formally sworn in by the Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, marking a momentous occasion in Ghana’s legislative history.

This re-election to the prestigious role of Speaker serves as a significant milestone in Mr. Bagbin’s illustrious career. As Speaker, he is expected to continue his efforts to guide Ghana’s Parliament towards even greater achievements, providing leadership and stability to the legislative process.

A Storied Career in Politics and Governance

Alban Bagbin’s career spans several decades, beginning with his academic journey at the University of Ghana, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Law and English in 1980. After being called to the bar in 1982, he founded the Law Trust Firm in 1994, further cementing his standing in Ghana’s legal community.

In addition to his legal background, Mr. Bagbin pursued postgraduate studies at the Southern African Management Institute and earned an Executive Master’s in Governance and Leadership at GIMPA, strengthening his credentials as a leader in both political and administrative spheres.

Bagbin served as Member of Parliament for Nadowli Kaleo for an impressive 28 years, securing victory in seven consecutive elections. His political journey saw him assume key leadership roles, including Minority Leader, Majority Leader, and Minister of Water Resources and Health. Throughout his tenure, he played an instrumental role in shaping key parliamentary reforms, particularly those focused on gender equality and social inclusion. His leadership in parliamentary committees and advocacy for inclusive governance made him a respected figure in Ghana’s political landscape.

On the international stage, Mr. Bagbin represented Ghana in various capacities, notably serving in the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly and the Global Organization for Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC). His contributions to global discussions on good governance earned him significant recognition.

In 2017, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Law degree by the University of Professional Studies in Accra, further acknowledging his impactful career.

Married with two children, Alban Bagbin continues to be a pioneering figure in Ghanaian politics. His re-election as Speaker reaffirms his central role in shaping the nation’s legislative journey and his lasting influence on the country’s democratic evolution. His leadership promises to inspire continued progress for Ghana’s Parliament in the years ahead.