Bagbin officially inaugurated as the Speaker of Ghana’s 9th Parliament.

Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin has been officially sworn in as Speaker of the 9th Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana during a ceremony held on January 7, 2025. His endorsement for this significant role came from President-elect John Dramani Mahama, reaffirming Bagbin’s vital presence in the nation’s parliamentary framework after previously serving as Speaker during the 8th Parliament.

The proceedings began with Cassiel Ato Forson, the newly appointed Majority Leader, introducing the nomination. “I move that Hon Alban Bagbin do take the chair of this House as the Speaker of the 9th Parliament,” stated Forson, marking a moment of unity in parliamentary leadership. The motion received additional support from Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who raised concerns regarding the consultation process involved in Bagbin’s endorsement.

The Clerk of Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, addressed Afenyo-Markin’s comments, clarifying that they were not pertinent to the primary objectives of the nomination process. Following this, Chief Justice Gertrude Esaaba Torkornoo administered the Oath of Office to Bagbin, formalizing his role as Speaker.

In his acceptance speech, Bagbin emphasized the importance of unity among members of Parliament and assured his commitment to impartiality to facilitate the effective functioning of the House. This event is a notable chapter in Ghana’s parliamentary journey, with Bagbin at the helm of a legislature strongly represented by the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Profile of Alban Bagbin:

1. The newly sworn-in Speaker attended Sombo R.C. Primary and Wa Secondary Schools in the Upper West Region and completed his education at Tamale Secondary School, obtaining his Advanced Level Certificate in 1977.
2. Bagbin went on to gain a Degree in Law and English from the University of Ghana School of Law in 1980 and later graduated from the Ghana Law School, being called to the Bar in 1982.
3. He boasts a Certificate in Privatization in Public Utilities and Infrastructure from the Eastern South Africa Management Institute (ESAMI) in Tanzania, along with an Executive Master’s Degree in Governance and Leadership from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), earned in 2008.
4. Rt. Hon. Bagbin began his career as an Assistant Administrative Officer with the precursor to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) and later pursued legal practice while working at the State Hotels Corporation and teaching English in Libya.
5. After his return to Ghana, he established the Law Trust Company, a private law firm, serving as Managing Partner.
6. He has been a dedicated Member of Parliament since 1992, leading various committees, including the Public Accounts Committee and the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee.
7. Appointed Minority Leader in late 2000 by the NDC, he distinguished himself in this role, later serving as Majority Leader beginning in January 2009.
8. Bagbin held ministerial positions for Water Resources, Works and Housing, and Health and served as an adviser in the Office of the President.
9. In January 2017, he was elected as the 2nd Deputy Speaker during the 7th Parliament under Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye Sr.
10. He has contributed to several boards and international organizations, including the Africa-Caribbean-Pacific Group (ACP) and the Global Organization for Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC).
11. He served as Speaker of the 8th Parliament, showcasing exceptional leadership since beginning his parliamentary career in January 1993, continuing as Speaker from January 2021 to January 2025.
12. Additionally, Bagbin has held the position of immediate past President of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and currently presides over the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of Parliaments in Africa.

Through his extensive experience and commitment, Alban Bagbin remains a pivotal figure in shaping the legislative landscape of Ghana.