Alban Bagbin Sworn in as Speaker of Ghana’s 9th Parliament

Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin has been officially sworn in as the Speaker of Ghana’s 9th Parliament under the Fourth Republic. The ceremony took place on January 7, 2025, following his nomination by President-elect John Dramani Mahama, marking Bagbin’s continuation as a pivotal figure in Ghana’s parliamentary history.

The session began with Cassiel Ato Forson, the newly confirmed Majority Leader, moving a motion for Bagbin’s nomination. “I move that Hon Alban Bagbin do take the chair of this House as the Speaker of the 9th Parliament,” he declared. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader, seconded the motion but raised concerns about insufficient consultations during the nomination process. The Clerk of Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, dismissed these objections as irrelevant to the formalities of the motion.

The Chief Justice, Gertrude Esaaba Torkornoo, administered the Oath of Office to Bagbin, formally confirming him as Speaker. In his acceptance speech, Bagbin emphasized unity and pledged impartiality in his role to ensure the effective functioning of Parliament.

Bagbin’s re-election is significant as the legislature is now dominated by the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which holds a strong majority.

Profile of Alban Bagbin  

Alban Bagbin’s career spans decades of public service and leadership. Here are highlights of his journey:

Education

Bagbin attended Sombo R.C. Primary School, Wa Secondary School, and Tamale Secondary School. He earned his law degree from the University of Ghana in 1980 and was called to the Bar in 1982.

2. Professional Background

He worked with the Ghana Statistical Service as an Assistant Administrative Officer and later taught English in Libya. Upon returning to Ghana in 1986, he practiced law and co-founded a private law firm, Law Trust Company.

3. Political Career

Bagbin entered Parliament in 1993 as the MP for Nadowli and served in various leadership roles, including Minority Leader, Majority Leader, and Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing, as well as Minister for Health.

4. Parliamentary Leadership

In 2017, Bagbin was elected 2nd Deputy Speaker of Parliament. In 2021, he became the Speaker of the 8th Parliament, a role he has now retained for the 9th Parliament.

5. International Contributions

He has represented Ghana in various global forums, including the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and the International Council for Parliamentarians for Global Action.

With 43 years of experience as a legal practitioner and decades in Parliament, Bagbin continues to be a cornerstone of Ghana’s governance. His leadership promises to shape the legislative agenda of the 9th Parliament in significant ways.