Rtd Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has officially been sworn in as the Speaker of the 9th Parliament of the 4th Republic of Ghana. This marks his second consecutive term as Speaker, a feat he described as “a rare honour.”
Addressing the House after taking the oaths office and allegiance administered by the Chief Justice, Justice Mrs. Gertrude Araba Esaba Torkornoo, Mr. Bagbin expressed deep gratitude for the confidence reposed in him.
“It is with great humility that I accept the high and privileged office of the Speaker of the Ninth Parliament. I am grateful to the Almighty God for His grace and mercies for me to achieve this rare feat. To Him be all the praise and honour,” he said.
Bagbin also extended his gratitude to President-elect John Dramani Mahama and the leadership of the National Democratic Congress for their support, emphasizing his commitment to working collaboratively with all sides of Parliament.
Reflecting on his previous term, Bagbin stressed the challenges of presiding over a hung Parliament and the lessons learned stating, “I now come to the Ninth Parliament not just with the background of being the longest-serving legislator, but with the experience of four years of Speakership of a very difficult hung Parliament.”
“I promise to bring all these experiences to bear in guiding this House to perform its mandate with efficiency, diligence, and above all, with a sense of being the bulwark of democracy in Ghana.”
The Speaker called on Ghanaians to support and engage with Parliament, urging them to remain hopeful for a better future.
In line with parliamentary tradition, Speaker Bagbin after being sworn in oversaw the swearing-in of Members of Parliament-elect.
He also supervised the election of the two Deputy Speakers, 1st Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor, Member of Parliament for Akatsi South and 2nd Deputy Speaker, Andrew Amoako Asiamah, the Member of Parliament for Fomena.