President-elect John Dramani Mahama has officially mandated the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary leadership to nominate the Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin as Speaker of the 9th Parliament of the Fourth Republic.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu, a Special Aide to President-elect John Dramani Mahama and MP-Elect for Abura Asebu Kwamankese, noted in a statement that the directive was in consultation with the NDC’s National Executive and Parliamentary Leadership.
He underscored the party’s strategic focus on consolidating parliamentary oversight and fostering effective governance in Ghana.
“Rt. Hon. Bagbin has distinguished himself in the service of Parliament, rising from Member of Parliament for Nadowli to Minority and Majority leader respectively, and subsequently as Speaker of the 8th Parliament”.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu, a Special Aide to President-elect John Dramani Mahama and MP-Elect for Abura Asebu Kwamankes
According to Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Speaker Bagbin, brings a wealth of experience to the position, which will prove vital in steering the affairs of Parliament at this critical period in Ghana’s democratic and legislative development.
Alban Bagbin’s tenure as Speaker is lauded for promoting inclusivity and advancing legislative accountability, even amid a historically hung parliament. Mr Kwakye Ofosu emphasized that Speaker Bagbin’s extensive experience positions him as a stabilizing force in Ghana’s evolving democratic landscape.
“The Rt. Hon. Bagbin’s leadership and deep institutional knowledge will prove invaluable in steering parliamentary affairs at this critical juncture,” the Special Aide to President-elect Mahama emphasized.
He expressed confidence that Bagbin’s stewardship will enhance the institution’s capacity to deliver on its oversight mandate, particularly as Ghana navigates pressing socioeconomic and governance challenges.
NDC MPs Rally Behind Bagbin
The NDC parliamentary caucus members have expressed their overwhelming support for the nomination. Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor, MP and MP-Elect for South Dayi Constituency, hailed the decision as a strategic step to ensure legislative effectiveness.
“It is done. Glory be to Jehovah for this decision by JM. The Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin is peerless. Factos”, Hon Dafeamekpor stated. The endorsement also signals the NDC’s determination to leverage its parliamentary majority to advance pro-people policies and reforms in the incoming administration.
The nomination of Rt. Hon. Bagbin comes at a time when Ghana faces significant governance challenges, including economic recovery and heightened public demand for accountability.
Analysts including Sammy Obeng, Executive Director of Africa Parliamentary Network strongly posited that a seasoned Speaker like Bagbin is well-suited to navigate these complexities, fostering bipartisan cooperation while upholding parliamentary independence.
As the 9th Parliament convenes, all eyes will be on Speaker Bagbin’s leadership in shaping legislative priorities and ensuring a balanced and transparent democratic process.
While the President-elect’s directive has set the stage, the final decision lies with Parliament, where MPs will vote to confirm the nomination. With the NDC holding a majority, Bagbin’s approval is widely anticipated.
The re-nomination of Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin as Speaker signals the NDC’s commitment to legislative excellence and inclusive governance. This strategic move by President-elect Mahama underscores his vision of a strengthened democracy, where Parliament plays a pivotal role in national development.
READ ALSO: Beyond Tax-to-GDP Ratios: Prof. Bokpin’s Roadmap for Ghana’s Development
