NDC caucus to put Akatsi South MP-elect Bernard Ahiafor up for consideration as First Deputy Speaker of Parliament

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) caucus in Parliament has agreed to put the Akatsi South Member of Parliament-elect, Bernard Ahiafor up for consideration as First Deputy Speaker in the 9th Parliament.

Graphic Online understands that the caucus met on Monday morning and agreed on Mr Ahiafor as their choice for the position of First Deputy Speaker. 

Article 95 (1) of the 1992 Constitution states that there shall be a Speaker of Parliament who shall be elected by the members of Parliament from among persons who are members of Parliament or who are qualified to be elected as members of Parliament.

Aside the Speaker, there is supposed to be two other persons, first and second deputy speakers of Parliament who are to act when the Speaker is not around.

The NDC caucus has already agreed on putting the current Speaker, Alban S.K. Bagbin up for election for a second term.

It is following this that they have also agreed to put Bernard Ahiafor up for consideration as First Deputy Speaker of Parliament.

By Parliamentary convention, the second deputy speaker slot could be left for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) side to put up a candidate for consideration but the NDC side, with almost a two-thirds majority in the 9th Parliament, 183 currently declared for them, can also decide to put up another person from their side up for consideration as second deputy speaker.

The first deputy speaker assists the Speaker in presiding over debates and ensuring adherence to parliamentary rules and procedures. 

The position also requires the person to act as Speaker in the absence of the substantive Speaker, a role that demands neutrality and a deep understanding of parliamentary practices.

When the first is also not around, second deputy speaker steps in.

Who is Bernard Ahiafor?

Bernard Ahiafor has represented Akatsi South in Parliament since 2013.

He is a practicing lawyer and has served on key parliamentary committees, including the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, where his expertise in legal matters has been widely recognised.