Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has officially been sworn in as the Speaker of Ghana’s 9th Parliament. The swearing-in ceremony, presided over by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, took place in the early hours of January 7, 2025.
Bagbin, who previously served as Speaker of the 8th Parliament, assumes this position once again under a Parliament where the National Democratic Congress (NDC) holds the Majority and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) constitutes the Minority.
Nomination and Election
The process began with the Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Djietro, conducting a roll call of members presented by the Electoral Commission. Bagbin’s nomination was put forward by Majority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and seconded by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin.
With no other nominations presented, the Clerk declared Bagbin the Speaker of the 9th Parliament, stating, “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.”
The Chief Justice then administered the Speaker’s Oath, which Bagbin recited with solemnity, pledging to uphold the Constitution and discharge his duties faithfully.
Profile of Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin
Early Life and Education
Born on September 24, 1957, in Sombo, Upper West Region, Bagbin is the fourth of nine children of peasant farmers, Sansunni and Margaret Bagbin. He is a member of the Dagaaba ethnic group.
Bagbin attended Wa Secondary School and Tamale Secondary School before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Law and English from the University of Ghana in 1980. He proceeded to the Ghana School of Law and was called to the Bar in 1982. In addition, he holds an Executive Master’s in Governance and Leadership from GIMPA.
Legal Career
Bagbin’s legal journey began at the Bureau of Statistics and Statistical Service, where he served as acting Secretary. He later worked as Personnel Manager of the State Hotels Corporation and taught English in Libya. Upon returning to Ghana, he joined Akyem Chambers and eventually became a partner at The Law Trust Company.
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Political Career
Bagbin has been a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) since its inception. First elected to Parliament in 1992, he represented Nadowli West Constituency for seven consecutive terms, playing key roles such as:
- Majority Leader of Parliament (2009-2013)
- Minister for Water Resources, Works, and Housing (2010)
- Minister for Health (2012-2013)
- Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament (2017-2021)
He first became Speaker of Parliament in 2021, defeating then-incumbent Mike Oquaye. His tenure as Speaker of the 8th Parliament was marked by critical decisions, including declaring seats vacant for MPs who switched parties, which sparked significant constitutional debates.
Personal Life
Bagbin is married to Alice Adjua Yornas Bagbin, a UNICEF Programme Officer. A devout Roman Catholic, he is known for his dedication to Ghana’s legislative processes and constitutional governance.
A New Chapter
As Speaker of the 9th Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Ghana’s legislative agenda, championing constitutional integrity, and fostering collaboration between political divides.
