Let’s maintain Alban Bagbin as Speaker of the Ninth Parliament of the Fourth Republic

As Ghana enthusiastically prepares for its 9th Parliament under the 4th Republic, many citizens are calling for the ouster of Speaker Rt. Hon. Alban Sumani Bagbin, who has presided over the previous eighth Parliament. As an ordinary Ghanaian, I urge the authorities to retain the current Speaker in office, as he is doing an excellent job. Continuity in leadership is crucial, especially during significant economic and political challenges.

We must remember that common sense does not advocate changing a key player on a winning team while behind in a game. The new government will require all of its competent personnel to help restore the country, so it is essential to allow Hon. Alban S.K. Bagbin to continue the excellent service he provided during the 8th Parliament.

Hon. Alban Bagbin's political career spans roles as a Member of Parliament, Minister, and Speaker. He has demonstrated remarkable leadership and commitment to Ghana's development, serving as the majority leader and Minister of Health. It’s important to highlight that Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin has held various positions throughout Ghana's Fourth Republic. For example, during the inaugural session of Parliament, he was the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Subsidiary Legislation, served as Vice Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Mines and Energy, and was a member of the Committee on Local Government and Rural Development.

In the Second Parliament of the Fourth Republic, Mr. Bagbin took on the role of Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs. In this capacity, he oversaw several institutions, including the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, the Electoral Commission, the National Commission on Civic Education, the Office of Parliament, and the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. Additionally, he chaired the Public Accounts Committee from 2001 to 2005 and served as Vice Chairman of the Appointments Committee of Parliament.

During his tenure as Speaker, he has successfully navigated a hung parliament, built a solid working relationship with the Judiciary, and prevented unnecessary friction with the Executive branch of government, earning him the 2021 Parliamentarian of the Decade Award.

I am encouraging Ghanaian parliamentarians to support Mr. Bagbin because he is the first person in Ghana's parliamentary history to be elected as Speaker from a political party that does not hold power or a majority of seats. The esteemed parliamentary publication "The Parliamentarian" recognized him as Ghana's Parliamentary Diplomacy Personality, underscoring his deserving of the mandate to continue his outstanding work.

Another reason why I am advocating for the Rt. Hon. Bagbin, as the Speaker of the 4th Republic is he has led a unique parliament that champions independence, emphasizing its oversight of the Executive and the Judiciary. He has consistently criticized government institutions and personnel whose actions raise concerns among the public. This shows his commitment to calling a "spade a spade" rather than avoiding brutal truths. He approaches his duties with fearless resolve, remaining fair and firm, regardless of political affiliations. His determination to improve the lives of Ghanaians across all aspects of society is commendable.

Throughout his political career, he has received several awards and recognition. Notably, he received the coveted 2021 Parliamentarian of the Decade Award for his significant contributions to national development, the maintenance of parliamentary democracy, and good governance since the establishment of Ghana's Fourth Republic. One key reason for this recognition was his ability, as the Speaker from the Opposition party in a hung parliament, to build a solid working relationship with the Judiciary, which prevented unnecessary friction with the Executive branch of government.

I am advocating for this veteran politician and skilled lawmaker because he has been a Member of Parliament since the establishment of the 4th Republic and has effectively managed the 8th Parliament. He has held various positions within the House and deserves to continue as the Speaker of the Ninth Parliament. He approaches his duties with fearless resolve, remaining fair and firm regardless of political affiliations. His determination to improve the lives of Ghanaians in all aspects of society is commendable. Therefore, let us grant him the Speaker's crown, embodying the saying, "He who qualifies for the crown, let him wear it."

By Kwame Aduhene-Kwarteng (Castro) PhD.