Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin has been formally inaugurated as the Speaker of the 9th Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana.
The inauguration ceremony took place on January 7, 2025, following his nomination for the Speaker position by President-elect John Dramani Mahama. Bagbin’s re-election solidifies his status as a prominent figure in Ghana’s parliamentary landscape, having previously served as Speaker during the 8th Parliament.
The proceedings commenced with Cassiel Ato Forson, the newly appointed Majority Leader, proposing the motion for Bagbin’s nomination. “I propose that Hon Alban Bagbin assume the chair of this House as the Speaker of the 9th Parliament,” Forson declared on the parliamentary floor.
The motion received a second from Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, although it was accompanied by notable contention. Afenyo-Markin expressed concerns regarding the nomination process, alleging insufficient consultation by the President-elect in endorsing Bagbin.
In reply, the Clerk of Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, promptly dismissed the Minority Leader’s objections, asserting that the remarks were irrelevant to the formal procedure of seconding the motion.
The Oath of Office was then administered to Bagbin by the Chief Justice, Gertrude Esaaba Torkornoo, officially confirming his role as Speaker.
In his acceptance address, Bagbin emphasized the importance of unity and committed to working impartially to facilitate the effective operation of the House.
This event represents a pivotal moment in Ghana’s parliamentary history, as Bagbin continues to lead a legislature predominantly influenced by the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which maintains a significant majority.
