Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has been re-elected as Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament.

Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has officially assumed the position of Speaker of Ghana’s 9th Parliament. This historic parliament sees the National Democratic Congress (NDC) occupying the Majority position, while the New Patriotic Party (NPP) serves as the Minority. Bagbin’s elevation to the Speaker role is another remarkable milestone in his long and distinguished political career.

The nomination of Mr. Bagbin as Speaker was made by the Majority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson. The proceedings began with a roll call of members whose names had been submitted to Parliament by the Electoral Commission of Ghana. This initial process was overseen by the Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Djietro. Following the nomination, the motion for Mr. Bagbin’s election was seconded by the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin.

After a brief discussion on the motion, Mr. Djietro declared, “With there being no other nominations for the position of Speaker, I hereby declare Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin as the Speaker of the 9th Parliament.” His appointment was finalized with a swearing-in ceremony conducted by the Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

Born on September 24, 1957, Alban Bagbin is a seasoned Ghanaian politician who has made significant contributions to the country’s governance. Before assuming his current role, he served as the Speaker of the 8th Parliament of Ghana. He was also Ghana’s Minister for Health from January 2012 to February 2013, during which he spearheaded numerous health reforms. In addition, Bagbin served as the Member of Parliament for Nadowli West constituency in the Upper West Region for an impressive seven consecutive terms under the Fourth Republic.

In 2019, Mr. Bagbin vied for the position of the National Democratic Congress’s presidential candidate but was ultimately defeated by former President John Dramani Mahama. His election as Speaker of the 8th Parliament in January 2021 underscored his political stature and commitment to public service, and his reappointment for the 9th Parliament cements his legacy as a key figure in Ghanaian politics.

Bagbin’s life story is one of resilience and achievement. He was born into a family of peasant farmers, Sansunni Bagbin and Margaret B. Bagbin, in Sombo, a small town in the Upper West Region. As the fourth of nine children, he grew up embracing the values of hard work and perseverance. He belongs to the Dagaaba ethnic group and maintains deep ties to his cultural roots.

His educational journey began at Wa Secondary School and Tamale Secondary School. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Law and English from the University of Ghana in 1980, paving the way for his illustrious career. Over the years, Bagbin’s contributions to Ghana’s political and social development have earned him widespread respect and admiration. As Speaker of the 9th Parliament, he continues to shape the nation’s legislative landscape.