Bagbin Hails Mahama’s SONA as a Revitalizing Force Amid Ghana’s Challenging Times
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has painted a sobering picture of Ghana’s current state, describing the nation as being at its lowest point. However, he expressed renewed optimism following President John Dramani Mahama’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), which he believes has injected a sense of hope and direction for the country’s future. President Mahama delivered his first SONA on Thursday, February 27, outlining his administration’s plans to revive Ghana’s struggling economy and address pressing national challenges. In a heartfelt post on Facebook, Bagbin did not mince words about the dire state of the nation. “Clearly, our country is not in good shape. The decay is massive. Ghana, an African icon, is at our lowest point,” he stated, highlighting the gravity of the situation. Despite this grim assessment, Bagbin found solace in President Mahama’s address, which he described as both rejuvenating and confidence-inspiring. “The address of President John Dramani Mahama is rejuvenating. It’s stimulating confidence about quick recovery, resetting, and restoration to a more rewarding investment climate and social justice,” he remarked. Bagbin, a long-time advocate for social justice and inclusivity, particularly praised the government’s commitment to making tertiary education free for persons with disabilities. He described the move as bold and transformative, emphasizing its potential to create opportunities for marginalized groups. “As a passionate advocate for persons with disabilities, I am particularly happy about the bold move of the government to make tertiary education free for persons considered disabled. This is a significant step toward inclusivity and equality,” he wrote. He concluded his post with a prayer for the nation, saying, “God bless our dear nation Ghana!” The Speaker’s remarks reflect a mix of concern and cautious optimism. While acknowledging the deep-rooted challenges facing the country, Bagbin’s endorsement of President Mahama’s SONA suggests a belief in the administration’s ability to steer Ghana toward recovery. His emphasis on social justice and inclusivity also underscores the importance of addressing systemic inequalities as part of the broader national recovery effort. As Ghana navigates this critical juncture, the convergence of political leadership and parliamentary support will be crucial in translating the promises outlined in the SONA into tangible outcomes for the nation. Bagbin’s message serves as both a call to action and a reminder of the collective responsibility to restore Ghana’s standing as a beacon of hope and progress in Africa.
Read moreIntroducing Alban Bagbin: Speaker of Ghana’s 9th Parliament
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…
Read morePresident-elect Mahama directs NDC MPs-elect to nominate Bagbin as Speaker for 9th Parliament
Ghana’s President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, has officially nominated Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin as the Speaker of the 9th Parliament, a decision that underscores his confidence in Bagbin’s leadership abilities and experience. If approved, Bagbin will become the second individual in Ghana’s Fourth Republic to hold the position of Speaker in two different parliamentary terms. The first was Rt. Hon. Daniel Francis Annan, who served as Speaker during two consecutive terms under former President Jerry John Rawlings between 1993 and 2001. The announcement, which was made on Sunday, January 5, 2025, through a statement signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the spokesperson for Mahama’s transition team, highlighted that the President-elect made the decision after consulting with the National Executive and Parliamentary leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). The NDC has long had a strong tradition of supporting Bagbin due to his vast parliamentary experience and leadership qualities, and Mahama’s nomination reflects that trust. In his statement, Mahama emphasized that Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin’s decades of service to Parliament have distinguished him as a seasoned and capable leader. Bagbin’s career in Parliament spans several key roles, starting as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Nadowli, a position he has held for many years. Over time, Bagbin rose through the ranks, serving as both the Minority Leader and Majority Leader in the House. His leadership journey culminated in his election as Speaker of the 8th Parliament, where he was instrumental in guiding parliamentary proceedings through complex political landscapes. Mahama further commended Bagbin’s wealth of experience, which he believes will be invaluable in ensuring the effective and efficient functioning of Parliament during a critical phase in Ghana’s democratic journey. The President-elect noted that Bagbin’s leadership style, rooted in his deep understanding of parliamentary procedures and his commitment to the principles of democracy, would enable him to navigate the challenges ahead. “Rt. Hon. Bagbin brings a wealth of experience to the position, which will prove vital in steering the affairs of Parliament at this pivotal period in Ghana’s democratic and legislative development,” the statement read. Mahama expressed confidence that Bagbin would effectively utilize his vast experience and expertise to strengthen Parliament, ensuring that it meets its constitutional mandate and delivers on its oversight responsibilities. As Speaker, Bagbin will play a central role in maintaining order, facilitating debates, and ensuring that Parliament fulfills its duties as a key pillar of Ghana’s democracy. With this nomination, Mahama has signaled his commitment to ensuring that…
Read moreSpeaker Bagbin Reflects on Achievements, Urges Unity and Progress for a Better Ghana
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has reflected on his journey and contributions to Ghana’s development, expressing satisfaction with his life’s accomplishments, particularly his role in leading the nation’s first hung parliament. Addressing Members of Parliament on December 19, 2024, Speaker Bagbin highlighted the importance of leaving a lasting legacy that prioritizes the welfare of future generations. “At my age, what do I need again? That you will come and feed me? No, because if I die now and go, I’ve made my mark. I want to see Ghana better better than this before I go because I have children,” he remarked. His statement underscored a sense of fulfillment and a desire to see Ghana progress beyond its current state, not just for the present generation but for those to come. The Speaker commended parliamentarians for their cooperation in navigating the unique challenges posed by a hung parliament a rare and demanding political arrangement. He acknowledged the efforts made by members on both sides of the aisle, stating, “We’ve done well. It’s not easy to operate a hung parliament anywhere in the world. It requires compromise, understanding, and a collective will to prioritize national interests above all else.” Bagbin also emphasized the unique nature of Ghanaians, describing them as hospitable, humorous, and resilient, qualities he believes have played a significant role in easing tensions during heated parliamentary debates. “We have always injected humor even when tempers flare up. This has been crucial in maintaining a constructive atmosphere despite the challenges,” he noted. Reflecting on the broader implications of his leadership, Bagbin expressed his hope for a more united and prosperous Ghana. He called on all stakeholders, including lawmakers, civil society, and citizens, to work together to build a nation that can stand as a beacon of progress and unity in Africa. As one of Ghana’s most experienced politicians, Bagbin’s tenure as Speaker has been marked by moments of intense debate and the need for careful mediation. His reflections serve as a reminder of the importance of leadership rooted in service, humility, and a vision for the future. The Speaker’s remarks come at a critical time as Ghana continues to grapple with various social, economic, and political challenges. His call for a better Ghana resonates with the broader aspirations of many citizens who seek a nation that prioritizes development, inclusivity, and progress for all.
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