Alban Bagbin re-nominated for consideration as Speaker in 9th Parliament

The current Speaker of Parliament, Alban S.K. Bagbin has been re-nominated for consideration as Speaker in the 9th Parliament. The life of 9th Parliament will start on January 7, 2025, and end on January 6, 2029.

The President-elect, John Dramani Mahama in consultation with the national executive of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and their Parliamentary leadership has mandated the caucus to nominate Mr Bagbin for consideration as Speaker in the next Parliament.

The 9th Parliament will hold its first sitting on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 12:05 a.m.

It will focus on the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speakers. The administration of oaths to the Speaker and Members of Parliament will also take place during this inaugural sitting.

After that, the House will take a short break, and move the sitting to the Black Star Square (Independence Avenue) where the Vice President-elect and the President-elect will also take their oaths.

Mahama mandates NDC MPs to nominate Bagbin for Speaker position

In a statement confirming the decision, Mr Bagbin was described as someone who has distinguished himself in the service of Parliament, "rising from Member of Parliament for Nadowli to Minority Leader and Majority Leader respectively, and subsequently as Speaker of the 8th Parliament."

"He brings a wealth 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.

The statement issued Sunday by spokesperson for the NDC side of the Transition Team and an aide to Mr Mahama explained that the President-elect was convinced that under the stewardship of Mr Bagbin, Parliament will be further strengthened to deliver effectively on its oversight responsibility.

As Parliament prepares for this pivotal event, many had routed that Mr Bagbin should be retained as the Speaker in the next Parliament.

The Majority Leader of the 8th Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin for instance had argued for the next Speaker to be an elected Member of Parliament (MP), highlighting the importance of parliamentary expertise. Speaking on the matter, he stated: “Mr Speaker, if they sack you, Mr Speaker, of all that you have done for them, they are going to sack you. If they decide to retain you, the happiness of this House will gather further momentum."

“However, if the new government decides to bring a new Speaker, that Speaker should come from within. We don’t want an outsider. We want somebody from within who would understand us.”

This first sitting is expected to set the stage for the legislative direction of the 9th Parliament, as Ghana’s political leadership embarks on a new chapter under the Mahama administration.

Writer's email: enoch.frimpong@graphic.com.gh 

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