Live Updates: Inauguration of Ghana’s 9th Parliament, Alban Bagbin confirmed Speaker of 9th Parliament

Alban Bagbin delivers acceptance speech after assuming office as Speaker; thanks President John Mahama

Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has delivered his acceptance speech after officially assuming office as the Speaker of Ghana’s 9th Parliament.

“It is with great humility I accept the high office of Speaker of the 9th Parliament of the Republic of Ghana,” he began, expressing appreciation for the trust placed in him to lead the house.

Bagbin extended special gratitude to former President John Dramani Mahama for playing a pivotal role in his nomination. “I also extend my gratitude to John Dramani Mahama for the trust he has expressed in my leadership of the house and for recommending my candidature in consultation with the leadership of the NDC,” he stated.

The Speaker’s speech set a tone of unity and commitment to fostering a productive and impartial Parliament, as he assumes the leadership of the legislative arm for a second consecutive term.

Alban Bagbin completes oaths, dons Speaker’s cloak, and assumes control of Parliament

Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has completed the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of the Speaker, administered by the Chief Justice.

Following the signing of all necessary documents, Bagbin was ceremoniously robed in the Speaker’s cloak and gown, symbolising his official assumption of the office of Speaker of Ghana’s 9th Parliament.

Taking his seat at the Speaker’s chair, Bagbin called the house to order, marking the beginning of his leadership over the legislative body.

The atmosphere in the chamber reflected the gravity of the moment, as Bagbin once again takes on the historic role of presiding over parliamentary proceedings.

Clerk of Parliament invites Chief Justice to administer oaths to speaker-elect Alban Bagbin

The Clerk of Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, has formally invited the Chief Justice to administer the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of the Speaker to the speaker-elect, Hon. Alban Bagbin.

This crucial step in the parliamentary process will officially confirm Bagbin’s position as the Speaker of Ghana’s 9th Parliament.

The ceremony underscores a significant moment in Ghana’s political history, marking Bagbin’s reappointment as Speaker, a role he previously held in the 8th Parliament. With the administration of these oaths, Bagbin will be empowered to preside over parliamentary proceedings and ensure that the house operates within the framework of the constitution.

Clerk declares Alban Bagbin elected as speaker after no additional nominations

Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has been officially declared the Speaker of Ghana’s 9th Parliament.

The Clerk of Parliament made the announcement after confirming that Bagbin was the sole nominee, with no further nominations presented. This marks the second consecutive term for Bagbin as Speaker, a historic feat in Ghana’s parliamentary history.

Motion for nomination of speaker finally seconded

After heated exchanges and procedural disagreements, the motion for the nomination of Hon. Alban Bagbin as Speaker of the 9th Parliament has been successfully seconded.

This marks a significant step forward in the ongoing process to elect a new Speaker, as both sides of the house appear ready to proceed with the election.

Rockson Defeamekpor forcibly seconds motion amid uproar, clerk overrides

Hon. Rockson-Nelson Defeamekpor of the NDC took matters into his own hands by forcibly seconding the motion to elect Hon. Alban Bagbin as Speaker.

His intervention came as debates over Hon. Afenyo Markin’s remarks continued to delay proceedings.

“If Afenyo Markin is not ready to second, I have done so,” Defeamekpor declared, prompting an uproar in the chamber. The chaotic scene underscores the tense atmosphere in the 9th Parliament’s first session, as both sides of the house grapple with procedural disagreements.

However, the Clerk of Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, swiftly intervened, stating that Hon. Afenyo Markin was already on the floor and had the right to continue his secondment. This ruling from the clerk overrode Defeamekpor’s action, further intensifying the tension in the house.

Proceedings stall as debate continues over Afenyo Markin’s remarks

The election of a Speaker has hit a snag as parliamentary proceedings stall due to ongoing debates over Hon. Afenyo Markin’s remarks during his secondment of the motion to elect Hon. Alban Bagbin.

Members of Parliament remain divided over whether his comments were in breach of the house’s standing orders, with some calling for strict adherence to procedure to ensure a smooth process.

Hon. Abu Jinapor, from the NPP side of the house, rose to support Hon. Afenyo Markin, clarifying that Markin had indicated he was making a preliminary comment before seconding the motion.

Jinapor stressed that his colleague was within his rights to address the house, adding that such comments should be allowed under parliamentary procedure. This further deepened the ongoing debate, as MPs remain split over the interpretation of the standing orders.

Afenyo Markin seconds motion to elect Bagbin, sparks standing orders debate

Hon. Alexander Afenyo Markin of the NPP seconded the motion to elect Hon. Alban Bagbin as Speaker but insisted on addressing a preliminary matter before doing so.

“This house is an independent constitutional body… the mandate given to us to elect a speaker is in the constitution,” he said.

However, his remarks were interrupted by Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa of the NDC, who objected to any comments during the secondment.

“When rising to second a motion, there should be no remarks or debate. He cannot be violently violating our standing orders… So, Mr Chairman, we invite you to ensure that this solemn ceremony proceeds accordingly,” Ablakwa stated, calling for strict adherence to parliamentary procedures.

Alban Bagbin’s nomination sets historic precedent – Majority Leader Ato Forson

Majority Leader Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, in nominating Hon. Alban Bagbin for the position of Speaker, highlighted the historic nature of his nomination.

He noted that Bagbin remains the first person in Ghana’s history to be elected Speaker of Parliament without coming from the majority side of the house.

This nomination marks a significant shift in Ghana’s parliamentary tradition, reinforcing the current political dynamics in the 9th Parliament.

Ato Forson nominates Hon. Alban Bagbin as speaker of 9th Parliament

The Majority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has formally nominated Hon. Alban Bagbin for the position of Speaker of the 9th Parliament.

Bagbin, Ghana’s longest-serving MP and former Speaker, is being proposed to lead the legislative house once again.

Roll call ends as clerk announces quorum to elect speaker

The roll call of MPs-elect has concluded, and the Clerk of Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, has confirmed that a quorum has been formed to proceed with the election of a Speaker, in line with the requirements of Ghana’s constitution.

‘I find myself constrained!’ – Clerk of Parliament cites court order on Akwatia MP

Earlier, the Clerk of Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, had informed the house that he is unable to swear in Ernest Kumi as the Member of Parliament for Akwatia.

This follows a court order barring Mr Kumi from participating in the session. “I find myself constrained,” the Clerk stated, as he addressed the house on the matter.

He proceeded to read out the legal implications should Ernest Kumi continue to represent himself in parliament and cast a vote. However, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, spoke on behalf of the estranged Kumi, accepting all consequences.

Roll call of MPs-elect underway

The Clerk of Parliament has commenced the roll call of Members of Parliament-elect as part of the formal process to inaugurate Ghana’s 9th Parliament.

This crucial step will confirm the attendance of MPs-elect ahead of the swearing-in ceremony and the election of a new Speaker of Parliament.