On this momentous day of 6th January 2025, Rt. Hon. Speaker Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin addressed a gathering at the commissioning of the Parliamentary Museum, highlighting the intertwining of Ghana’s rich history with its role in the lives of posterity.
His speech emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting Ghana’s historical legacy for the benefit of current and future generations.
The Speaker began by expressing gratitude to all present, acknowledging the importance of the occasion.
“The commissioning of this museum presents us as a nation a unique opportunity to not only celebrate our past but also envision the role of history in shaping our democratic journey.”
“In the words of Robert A. Heinlein, an American author, a generation [that] ignores history has no past and no future. This underscores the importance of history in our life.”
Rt. Hon. Speaker Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin
Speaker Bagbin spoke about the turbulent yet rich history of Ghana, emphasizing the need to preserve it for future generations.
“The trajectory of our political history derives insights from how our society was organized prior to the arrival of the European explorers and traders, who named our land Gold Coast.”
Rt. Hon. Speaker Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin
The Speaker pointed out that the Portuguese originally called the land “Del Minan,” reflecting the deep historical roots of Ghana.
Rt. Hon. Speaker Bagbin traced Ghana’s political evolution from the transatlantic slave trade through colonial rule. He emphasized;
“That culminated in our political independence in 1957. Our beloved country finally attained republican status in 1960.”
Rt. Hon. Speaker Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin
He reflected on the struggles and the eventual return to constitutional rule in 1993, stressing the collective responsibility in shaping the nation’s governance.
The Journey of Legislative Development
The Speaker delved into the history of legislative development in Ghana, dating back to the establishment of the Legislative Council in 1866. He added;
“The struggle for legislative inclusion and participation in governance dates as far back as the pre-colonial and the colonial era when leading citizens of the Gold Coast agitated and demanded for the colonial government to allow for citizens’ representation in decision-making processes.”
Rt. Hon. Speaker Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin
He mentioned notable figures such as John Mensah Sarbah, the first full-blooded Ghanaian called to the bar in 1887 as a lawyer who played significant roles in legislative development.
Speaker Bagbin also clarified historical facts regarding Sarbah and Ribeiro. He clarified that Ribeiro was the first Ghanaian of mixed heritage called to the bar in 1883 in the UK. He added;
“I know why I’m emphasizing this because the two families have gotten in touch with me when I made a statement on the floor in parliament on this matter.”
Rt. Hon. Speaker Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin
He highlighted the establishment of the Aborigines’ Rights Protection Society by Sarbah, which paved the way for legislative development in Ghana. He added; “The year 2023 marked exactly three decades of uninterrupted parliamentary democracy in Ghana.”
“To commemorate this significant feat, Parliament under my leadership, embarked on a series of programs and activities across the country to interact with citizens and bring Parliament closer to the doorsteps of the people.”
Rt. Hon. Speaker Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin
In his closing remarks, Speaker Bagbin expressed his admiration for the efforts that led to the museum’s commissioning, envisioning it as a beacon of Ghana’s rich history and democratic values.
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