‘My mission is to leave Parliament stronger than I met it’ — Speaker Bagbin

Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin

Rt. Hon. Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament, has emphasized his unwavering commitment to strengthening the country's parliamentary institution.

Amidst ongoing legal challenges against his declaration of four seats vacant, Speaker Bagbin reassured Ghanaians of his dedication to democracy and institutional fortitude.

"My mission is to leave Parliament a stronger institution than I met it," Bagbin said in a press conference on Wednesday, November 6, highlighting his 32-year journey in politics and over four decades of public service.

His tenure as Speaker, the veteran lawmaker said, has been marked by strong efforts to uphold the Constitution and ensure the effective functioning of Parliament, especially during challenging times.

Addressing concerns of a constitutional crisis, the Speaker confidently stated, "There is no constitutional crisis in this country. The Parliament of Ghana is alive and working.”

He urged citizens to trust in the democratic processes outlined in the 1992 Constitution, which provide mechanisms for resolving disagreements and fostering collaboration.

Bagbin also commented on the recent tensions between the branches of government, where the Supreme Court suspended his declaration until a final determination of an ex-parte case brought to it by the leader of the NPP caucus, Alexander Afenyo Markin.

“The powers of the Judiciary end where the nose of the Parliament starts,” remarked the Speaker.

He criticized the perceived encroachment of the Judiciary and Executive on parliamentary proceedings, warning that such actions could undermine the country’s democratic foundations.

“I am confident the battles we are fighting today will make our democracy stronger and more vibrant in the future,” he affirmed.