Retain Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin

The National Democratic Congress has a command control in the yet to be inaugurated ninth Parliament of the fourth Republic as depicted in the 7th December Parliamentary elections. The party thrashed my party, the New Patriotic Party with an overwhelming defeat.

I congratulate, the NDC for the feat.
The maiden task of the impending Parliament is the election of the Speaker of the House.

The Speaker presides over the sittings of the House.

He also chairs the Parliamentary Service Board and he is also third in the Constitutional hierarchy of the country. He comes after the Vice President.

I will urge or appeal to the yet to be sworn- in members of the House to elect or retain the Speaker of the Eighth Parliament,he is Rt Hon Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin. His performance in the last Parliament was stellar.

It was one of the most difficult Parliament any Speaker could excel. It was a Parliament many political watchers have described as controversial, hostile and unfriendly. A Parliament that had created huge political lacunas in many of its activities.

As a political and a Parliamentary watcher, Speaker Bagbin did his best to bring the House together and to manage it to the admiration of most Ghanaians.
He was able to fortify Parliament as the citadel of Democracy in our country. He ensured that Parliament performed its constitutional duties well. He made Parliament to be the toast of many.

He was fair, firm and impartial. Human as he is, some of his decisions didn’t go well with a side of the House, which is normal.

I wasn’t surprised when the current leader of the House Hon Afenyo Markin supported his bid for his retention as the Speaker of future Parliament.

Rt Hon Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has also brought some amazing innovations in the structure of the Parliamentary Service which have boosted the morale of the staff to give off their best.

He knows the antics, tactics and the workings of the House very well.
One should not forget that he was once the longest serving Member of the House and had led his side both as a Minority leader and a Majority leader.

I am sure the members of the ninth Parliament should not have any serious challenge in affirming Rt Hon Alban Bagbin as the Speaker.

When it happens,he will equal the late Justice Daniel Francis Annah, the first Speaker of Parliament in the fourth Republic as the only two Speakers that had opportunities to serve on two occasions.

I know the subtle role the President elect can play in the election of the Speaker.

I am confident that John Dramani Mahama HE, will with alacrity support the bid of his one time colleague in the House to continue his role as the Speaker of the ninth Parliament of the Republic.
All eyes will be on the members on the seventh of January, 2025 as they elect or retain Rt Hon Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin.

Mr Speaker, I wish you well.Go for the gold.

Ahmed Osumanu Halid
The Servant