Rtd. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin took the oath of office and allegiance on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, officially beginning his second term as Speaker of the 9th Parliament of Ghana’s 4th Republic.
Chief Justice Mrs. Gertrude Araba Esaba Torkornoo administered the oaths during the ceremony.
In his inaugural address to the House, Bagbin expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in him, describing his re-election as Speaker as “a rare honor.”
“I humbly accept the high and privileged office of Speaker of the Ninth Parliament. I thank Almighty God for His grace and mercies, enabling me to achieve this rare feat. To Him be all the praise and honor,” he stated.
Bagbin also thanked President-elect John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress leadership for their support, pledging to work collaboratively with all sides of Parliament to ensure effective governance.
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 complicated 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 oversaw the swearing-in of Members of Parliament-elect after being sworn in.
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.
