Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has been re-elected as Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, marking his continuation as Speaker of the 9th Parliament. This new Parliament sees the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as the Majority and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as the Minority.
Mr. Bagbin’s nomination was proposed by Majority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and seconded by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin during proceedings led by the Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Djietro. With no other nominations submitted, Mr. Djietro declared Mr. Bagbin as Speaker by consensus.
A Distinguished Political Career
Born on September 24, 1957, in Sombo, Upper West Region, Mr. Bagbin is a seasoned politician with an illustrious career. He was the Member of Parliament for Nadowli West from the 1st to the 7th Parliament under the Fourth Republic and served as Speaker of the 8th Parliament from 2021 to 2024.
His career includes roles such as:
- Minister for Health (2012-2013)
- Minister for Water Resources, Works, and Housing (2010)
- Majority Leader of Parliament (2009)
- Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament (2017-2021)
Education and Legal Background
Mr. Bagbin attended Wa Secondary School and Tamale Secondary School before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Law and English at the University of Ghana in 1980. He proceeded to the Ghana School of Law, where he was called to the bar in 1982. He also holds an Executive Master’s in Governance and Leadership from GIMPA.
Bagbin’s legal career began at the Bureau of Statistics before he joined Akyem Chambers as a solicitor and eventually became a partner at The Law Trust Company.
Parliamentary Achievements
First elected to Parliament in 1992, Bagbin consistently retained his seat and played pivotal roles in parliamentary leadership. Notably, he:
- Won several elections with commanding margins.
- Contributed significantly to Ghana’s legislative development.
- Played a key role in maintaining parliamentary order and governance.
Controversies and Resolutions
During his tenure as Speaker of the 8th Parliament, Mr. Bagbin made headlines for declaring four parliamentary seats vacant in 2024 due to MPs switching political affiliations. This decision was overturned by Ghana’s Supreme Court after constitutional deliberations.
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Personal Life
Mr. Bagbin is married to Alice Adjua Yornas Bagbin, a UNICEF Programme Officer. He is a devout Roman Catholic.
With decades of experience in law and governance, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin continues to shape Ghana’s parliamentary history as Speaker of the 9th Parliament.
