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Outgoing Majority Leader of Ghana’s Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has called on the incoming National Democratic Congress (NDC) government to retain the current Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, for the 9th Parliament.
According to Mr. Afenyo-Markin, Speaker Bagbin’s leadership over the past four years has significantly empowered the institution of Parliament, a feat he attributes to Mr. Bagbin’s extensive legislative background.
Speaking during Parliament’s sitting on December 16, Mr. Afenyo-Markin acknowledged the Speaker’s contributions to the welfare of members and institutional growth, stating:
“Mr. Speaker, the institutional empowerment you have given to Parliament is unmatched, likely because we have you as Speaker coming from within. If they decide to maintain you, I know Parliament will continue to benefit.”
He also noted that if the incoming government opts to appoint a new Speaker, the individual should be chosen from within Parliament to ensure continuity and familiarity with legislative processes.
“But should they decide to retire you, which I know they can do, if they choose to bring in a new Speaker, that person should come from within. We don’t want an outsider,” he added.
Monday’s session, held at the Accra International Conference Centre, marked Parliament’s return to address pending matters before the current session concludes. The Majority Leader’s comments come amid tensions between Speaker Bagbin and some Members of Parliament (MPs), particularly following the Speaker’s controversial declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant. This decision was later overturned by the Supreme Court, leading to a debate on the appropriate resolution of parliamentary disputes.
Speaker Bagbin, a veteran politician and former MP for Nadowli Kaleo on the NDC ticket, made history as the Speaker of the 8th Parliament of Ghana’s Fourth Republic. In 2021, he won a closely contested election with 138 votes, defeating the NPP’s Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye, who garnered 136 votes.
Throughout his tenure, Speaker Bagbin has been recognized for his contributions to Ghana’s democracy and governance. He has received several accolades, including the Parliamentarian of the Decade Award in 2021 and the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024 from the Jacobs-Abbey Global Institute for Leadership Studies.
As the NDC prepares for the 9th Parliament, Mr. Afenyo-Markin’s appeal highlights a belief in the continued benefits of Speaker Bagbin’s experience and leadership for Ghana’s Legislature.
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