The Speaker of the 4th Republic of Ghana’s 9th Parliament, Rtd Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has been sworn in. He called it “a rare honor” to serve as Speaker for a second consecutive term.
After taking the oaths of office and loyalty delivered by Chief Justice Justice Mrs. Gertrude Araba Esaba Torkornoo, Mr. Bagbin addressed the House and conveyed his sincere appreciation for the trust placed in him.
“It is with great humility that I accept the high and privileged office of the Speaker of the Ninth Parliament. I am grateful to the Almighty God for His grace and mercies for me to achieve this rare feat. To Him be all the praise and honour,” he declared.
Bagbin further emphasized his dedication to cooperating with all branches of Parliament and thanked President-elect John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress leadership for their support.
“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 very difficult hung Parliament,” Bagbin said, reflecting on his previous term and emphasizing the difficulties of leading a hung Parliament and the lessons learned.
“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 urged Ghanaians to continue to have hope for a better future and to support and participate in Parliament.
Following his inauguration, Speaker Bagbin presided over the swearing-in of the incoming members of parliament, as is customary in parliament.
Additionally, he oversaw the election of the two deputy speakers: Andrew Amoako Asiamah, a member of parliament for Fomena, and Bernard Ahiafor, a member of parliament for Akatsi South, who was elected as the first deputy speaker.
Source: newsthemegh.com