The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, on Saturday, September 24, 2022, celebrated his 65th birthday with the children of Hopeland Training Centre at Adjei Kojo in the Tema West Municipality of the Greater Accra Region.
The Speaker, who was supported by his wife Madam Linda Ofosuah Oboh presented a cheque of GH₵50,000.00 to Rev. Brother Cosmas Kanmwaa, Director, Hopeland Training Centre.
Mr Bagbin also presented some assorted items worth GH₵50,000.00 to the Centre.
Other dignitaries at the event included Mr Bagbin’s family members, the National Chairman of the NDC, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, some Members and Staff of Parliament and leading members of the NDC.
The Speaker spent the day with the children of the Centre, where he was treated to choreography, poetry recitals, and a sketch about proceedings in Parliament, among others. He was also presented with various handcrafted gifts made by the children.
In an interaction with the children, the Speaker urged parents to raise their wards on God-fearing tenets because children are blessings from God.
He also encouraged the children to do their best and work hard despite the challenges of life and where they find themselves. He urged them not to let anyone detract them from their goals, to focus on their studies, and pursue their ambitions passionately.
Mr Bagbin, known for his philanthropy and generosity, emphasised the importance of giving back to society and called on all to pay attention to the needs of the less privileged to ensure society’s holistic development. In this vein, he hinted at his plans someday to construct an international school for life and learning.
Hon. Alban Bagbin is a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He was first elected into Parliament during the 1992 General Elections, where he represented the people of the Nadowli West Constituency in the Upper West Region.
Bagbin announced his intentions to run for president in 2008 on the NDC ticket, but he never stood for the primaries. He became the Majority Leader in the Ghanaian parliament in 2009.
Following a cabinet reshuffle in January 2010, he was appointed Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing by President Mills.
He also served as the Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament from January 2017 to January 2021.