Democratic Congress (NDC) in the December 2024 elections still feels unreal to many. With a landslide victory, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama secured an impressive 57.7% of the votes, leaving Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) far behind with just 38.2%. In the race for Parliament, the NDC won 181 seats, while the NPP only managed 89 seats, with four seats going to independent candidates. Even though some parliamentary results are still under dispute, the NDC's majority is clear, and it’s evident they will have a commanding influence in the upcoming 9th Parliament.
This new Parliament will look very different from the previous one, where there was an equal split of 137 seats between the NDC and NPP. The 8th Parliament was known for its power struggle and unpredictable nature, which led to a situation where Parliament needed a speaker with the experience, strength, and fairness to guide them through such challenges. That person turned out to be Rt. Hon Alban Bagbin, who became the Speaker of the 8th Parliament in a time of uncertainty and division.
Bagbin’s leadership has been exceptional in the last four years. He took on the responsibility of Speaker during a time when Parliament was divided and often chaotic. His calm and firm approach made him the perfect person to handle the job. Bagbin’s ability to remain neutral, even when both sides of the House disagreed on important issues, has earned him respect across the political spectrum.
One of the standout qualities of Rt. Hon Alban Bagbin has been his unwavering commitment to fairness and justice. He was known for not bending the rules to favor anyone, regardless of political affiliation. He made decisions based on what was best for the country and the people, not based on party loyalty or personal gain. His fair and just approach made him stand out, even when it meant angering members of both the NDC and NPP. His commitment to the constitution and his principled stance on important national issues showed that he was a leader who could not be easily swayed.
A significant issue that tested his leadership was the proposed law on LGBTQI rights. Bagbin did not shy away from expressing his views, which aligned with the cultural and moral values of many Ghanaians. He took a firm stance against the growing LGBTQI movement, despite the pressure from powerful global forces advocating for LGBTQI rights. His leadership on this matter showed his strength in standing up for what he believed was in the best interest of the country.
Another challenging moment in Parliament came when there was confusion over the approval of the 2023 budget. During this period, Bagbin showed his ability to handle difficult situations. Even though there were disagreements and tensions within Parliament, Bagbin worked to keep things moving forward. He allowed certain issues to settle down for the sake of national unity, demonstrating that sometimes leadership requires patience and the ability to build consensus, even when things aren’t perfect.
Throughout his time as Speaker, Bagbin focused on improving the functioning of Parliament itself. He saw the need for modernization and helped bring about changes to the Standing Orders, which are the rules that guide Parliament’s work. These changes made Parliament more effective and better able to serve the needs of the people. His efforts also included improving the Parliamentary Service, by enhancing the staff structure and ensuring that employees were well-compensated. This focus on improving Parliament’s operations helped increase its efficiency and effectiveness.
Bagbin’s leadership also saw the passage of key laws that helped address long-standing issues in Ghanaian society. For example, the Affirmative Action Bill, which had been stuck in Parliament for years, was finally passed under his leadership. This bill aims to increase gender equality and improve women’s representation in Ghana’s political and public life. Bagbin’s commitment to gender issues and his leadership in passing the Affirmative Action Bill show his dedication to creating a more inclusive society.
One of Bagbin’s most significant achievements was his work to improve communication between Parliament and the people. He encouraged Parliament to engage with citizens, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders across the country. This approach made Parliament more inclusive and responsive to the needs of the people. Through initiatives like the Democracy Cup, Bagbin worked to bring together all arms of government to build a stronger, united Ghana.
Now that the NDC has won a massive victory in the 2024 elections, the question arises: who should be the next Speaker of Parliament? Given Bagbin’s successful leadership in the 8th Parliament, there is widespread support for him to continue in this role. Many political leaders, including Ambassador Sam Pee Yalley and others in the NDC, have strongly backed his nomination for the 9th Parliament. His vast experience and proven track record make him the best choice to continue leading Parliament with fairness and wisdom.
In a country where politics can often be divisive, Bagbin has shown that it is possible to lead with integrity and fairness. His leadership has helped elevate the role of Parliament, making it a stronger and more independent institution. With the support of the NDC and other political groups, Bagbin’s leadership in the 9th Parliament could continue to strengthen Ghana’s democracy and ensure that Parliament remains a key check on the power of the executive and judiciary.
The upcoming elections for the Speaker of Parliament should not be a time for unnecessary changes. Given the success of Rt. Hon Alban Bagbin’s leadership, there is no reason to fix something that is clearly not broken. His continued leadership in the 9th Parliament will serve the best interests of the people and help strengthen the democratic institutions of Ghana.
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