BY: Lambert Coffie | VoltaOnline
The 9th Parliament of the 4th Republic of Ghana was officially inaugurated at midnight on January 7, 2025, marking the beginning of a new legislative era.
Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the Speaker of the 8th Parliament, was re-elected and sworn in as the Speaker of the 9th Parliament. His nomination, moved by Majority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and seconded by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, was unopposed and enjoyed overwhelming endorsement from both sides of the House.
Following his swearing-in by Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, Mr. Bagbin presided over the swearing-in of 274 members of parliament. The National Democratic Congress holds the Majority side with 183 members, while the New Patriotic Party has 88 members, with four Independent Members.
The ceremony also saw the election of Deputy Speakers, with Bernard Ahiafor, MP for Akatsi South, elected as the First Deputy Speaker, and Andrew Asiamah Amoako, MP for Fomena, re-elected as the Second Deputy Speaker.
In his remarks, Speaker Bagbin emphasized the need for cooperation and collaboration between the Majority and Minority sides. “We must work together to address the challenges facing our nation,” he stated. “I pledge to be impartial and ensure that the rights of all members are protected.”
He also encouraged members to prioritize the interests of the nation above partisan considerations. “We are here to serve the people of Ghana, not our individual parties,” he added.
The ceremony was witnessed by several guests including Speakers from other African countries and ECOWAS.
Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com
