Alban Bagbin

Last updated • 5 min readFrom Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia

Alban Bagbin
MP
Speaker Alban Bagbin-2 (cropped).jpg
Bagbin in 2021
Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana
(8th & 9th Speaker of the Fourth Republic)
Assumed office
7 January 2021
ProfessionLawyer

Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin (born 24 September 1957) is a Ghanaian politician who is the current Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] He was the Minister for Health in the Ghana government from January 2012 [6] until February 2013. He served as the Member of Parliament for Nadowli West constituency in the Upper West Region of Ghana in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th parliaments of the 4th republic of Ghana. [7] He contested for the presidential candidate slot of the National Democratic Congress in 2019, but lost to former President John Dramani Mahama. [8] On 7 January 2021, Bagbin was elected Speaker of 8th Parliament of the Fourth Republic. [2] [9]

Contents

Early life and education

Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin was born on 24 September 1957 to Sansunni Bagbin and Margaret B. Bagbin who were both peasant farmers. He is the fourth child of nine children. He is a member of the Dagaaba ethnic group. [10] [11] He hails from Sombo, Upper West Region of Ghana. Alban Bagbin was educated at the Wa Secondary School and Tamale Secondary School. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Law and English at the University of Ghana in 1980. [12]

He proceeded to the Ghana School of Law at Makola in Accra after which he was called to the bar in 1982. [7] Bagbin also earned an Executive Masters in Governance and Leadership from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA). [13]

Career

Bagbin worked as the acting Secretary to the Statistical Service Board at the Bureau of Statistics and Statistical Service from 1980 to 1982. [12] He worked as Personnel Manager of the erstwhile State Hotels Corporation consisting of Ambassador and Continental Hotels between 1982 and 1983, before relocating to Libya to teach English in Tripoli at the Suk Juma Secondary School. [12]

Following Bagbin's return to Ghana in 1986, he joined Akyem Chambers, a law firm of legal practitioners, consultants and notaries public. [12] As an attorney, eventually rising to become a partner. Whilst working at Okyeman Chambers, between 1989 and 1992, he was appointed as the external solicitor of the Nii Ngleshie royal family of James Town, Credit Unions Association of Ghana (CUA) and several other private business firms within Accra. [12]

After working at Okyeman Chambers for 7 years, he moved from there in 1993 and to date is a partner of the Law Trust company, a legal firm of law practitioners, consultants and notaries public. [12]

Political life

Bagbin is a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He was first elected into Parliament during the 1992 Ghanaian General Elections. He represented the Nadowli West Constituency in the Upper West Region. In 2006, Bagbin announced his intentions to run for president in 2008 on the NDC ticket, but he never stood for the primaries. [14] He became the Majority Leader in the Ghanaian parliament in 2009. [15]

Following a cabinet reshuffle in January 2010, he was appointed Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing by President Mills. [16] [17] He was also the Majority Leader of Parliament under President Mahama's tenure of office, he succeeded Benjamin Kunbuor, who was appointed as the Minister of Defense. [18] He also served as the Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament from January 2017 to January 2021. [19]

Member of Parliament

1996 Elections

In 1996, Bagbin won the Nadowli North seat with 12,605 votes out of the 16,485 valid votes cast, representing 76.46% over Lawrence Banyen of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) who polled 2,213 votes representing 13.42%, Yuoni Moses Vaalandzeri of the People's National Convention(PNC) polled 1,490 votes representing 9.04% and Baslide Kpemaal of the NCP polled 177 votes representing 1.07%. [20]

2000 Elections

In the 2000 Ghanaian elections, Bagbin was retained his seat as the member of parliament for the Nadwoli North constituency. [21] He won the elections with 9,004 votes out of the total votes cast, [21] [22] equivalent to 58.60% over Dr. Anleu-Mwine D.B, an independent candidate, Clement Kanfuri Senchi of the Peoples National Congress, Ningkpeng Pauline of the New Patriotic Party, John Bayon Boniface Wetol, Domayele Marcel Aston of the National Reform Party of the United Ghana Movement Party who obtained, 2,089 votes, 718 votes, 145 votes and 0 votes respectively. [21]

2004 Elections

In 2004, ahead of the elections, Nadwoli North was split into two constituencies, Nadwoli West and Nadwoli East constituency. Bagbin was elected as the member of parliament for the Nadowli West constituency during 2004 elections. [22] [23] He was elected with 11,296 votes out of 22,349 total valid votes cast equivalent to 50.5%. [22] He was elected over Clement K. Senchi of the PNC, Daniel Anleu-Mwine Baga of the NPP, Sasuu Bernard Kabawunu of the Convention People's Party, Bisung Edward of the Democratic People's Party and Dapilaa Ishak an independent candidate. [22] who obtained 625 votes, 5,297 votes, 152 votes, 188 votes, 4,791 votes respectively. [22]

Speaker of Parliament

Bagbin as Speaker of Parliament in 2021 Speaker Alban Bagbin-1.jpg
Bagbin as Speaker of Parliament in 2021

On 7 January 2021, Bagbin was elected and sworn in as the Speaker of Parliament of Ghana, after a well-drawn-out contest, after he was nominated by the Members of Parliament on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress. [2] He defeated the incumbent, Mike Oquaye, who was nominated by the New Patriotic Party for the position. [24] This marked a historic milestone in the country’s democratic journey. Bagbin’s election was notable as it was the first time a Speaker of Parliament was chosen from the opposition party in Ghana’s parliamentary history.

In October 2024, Bagbin declared four seats held by MPs who switched parties vacant, saying that the Constitution of Ghana prohibited party-switching. The decision effectively gave the opposition National Democratic Congress a majority in the legislature and prompted a legal challenge in the Supreme Court of Ghana from Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin. [25] The court then ordered Bagbin to suspend his decision while it deliberated on the petition. [26] [27] On Tuesday 12th November 2024, the supreme court of Ghana reverse the decision made by the Speaker of parliament after the Supreme Court interpreted Article 97(1) (g) and (h) of the Constitution to mean that an MP vacates his seat only during a term of Parliament, and not during a future Parliament. [28] [29]

On 7 January 2025, Bagbin was re-elected to serve as the speaker of the parliament for the 9th Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana. [30]

Personal life

Bagbin is married to Alice Adjua Yornas Bagbin, who is a Programme Officer of the UNICEF Office in Ghana. [12] He is a Christian and worships as a Roman Catholic. [13]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Parliament of Ghana</span> Unicameral legislature of Ghana

The Parliament of Ghana is the unicameral legislature of Ghana. It consists of 276 members, who are elected for four-year terms in single-seat constituencies using a first-past-the-post voting system.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Mahama</span> President of Ghana (2012–2017; since 2025)

John Dramani Mahama is a Ghanaian politician who is currently serving as the 14th president of Ghana since 7 January 2025. He previously served as the 12th president from 2012 to 2017 and as the fifth vice president from January 2009 to July 2012. He took office as president for the first time on 24 July 2012, following the death of his predecessor, John Atta Mills.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Supreme Court of Ghana</span> Highest judicial body in Ghana

The Supreme Court of Ghana is the highest judicial body in Ghana. Ghana's 1992 constitution guarantees the independence and separation of the Judiciary from the Legislative and the Executive arms of government.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alhassan Bashir Fuseini</span> Ghanaian politician (born 1956)

Alhassan Bashir Fuseini, popularly known as Alhaji A. B. A. Fuseini, is a Ghanaian journalist and politician, who is the former deputy Northern Regional Minister of Ghana. He is a member of the Seventh Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana representing the Sagnarigu in the Northern Region on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress.

Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu is a Ghanaian politician who was a member of the Provisional National Defence Council and a former Minister for Defence. He is a founding member of the National Democratic Congress. He is the longest-serving Minister of Defence of Ghana, serving from 1985 to 1999, for 14 years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Asiedu Nketia</span> Ghanaian politician

Johnson Asiedu Nketiah is a Ghanaian politician and Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He is noted to be the longest serving General Secretary of the NDC.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bryan Acheampong</span> Ghanaian politician (born 1972)

Bryan Acheampong is a Ghanaian politician and Member of Parliament of Abetifi constituency in the Eastern Region of Ghana. He is a member of the New Patriotic Party of Ghana. He succeeded Peter Wiafe Pepera, who died while in office. He was the Minister of State at the Ministry of Interior between February 2019 to 2020. In 2016, he bought Okwawu United F.C. and currently serves as the Minister of Agriculture.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana</span> Presiding officer of the Parliament of Ghana

The Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana is the presiding officer of the Parliament of Ghana. The current speaker, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, was sworn-in for a second term as Speaker of the Ninth Parliament of Ghana after his reelection on 7 January 2025; having served his first term from 7 January 2021 to January 6, 2025.

Abena Durowaa Mensah is a Ghanaian politician and a member of the New Patriotic Party. She was the member of parliament for Assin North Constituency.

Emmanuel Nii Ashie Moore is a Ghanaian politician and member of the Sixth Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana representing the Adenta Constituency in the Greater Accra Region and the current Regional Chairman of the Greater Accra Region on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress.

Sylvester A. Mensah is a Ghanaian politician, writer, lecturer, finance professional and a health insurance technocrat. He has also served as Member of Parliament for Dade-Kotopon constituency in Ghana.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Peter Lanchene Toobu</span> Ghanaian politician

Peter Lanchene Toobu is a Ghanaian retired police officer and politician who is a member of the National Democratic Congress. He is the member of Parliament for the Wa West Constituency in the Upper West region. He is a Retired Superintendent of Police in Ghana.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Theresa Lardi Awuni</span> Ghanaian politician

Theresa Lardi Awuni is a Ghanaian politician who is a member of the National Democratic Congress. She is the member of parliament for the Okaikwei North Constituency in the Greater Accra region of Ghana.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nadowli Kaleo (Ghana parliament constituency)</span> An electoral constituency in Ghana

Nadowli Kaleo is one of the constituencies represented in the Parliament of Ghana. It elects one Member of Parliament (MP) by the first past the post system of election. Nadowli Kaleo is located in the Nadowli-Kaleo District of the Upper West Region of Ghana.

Abdul Rauf Tongym Tubazu is a Ghanaian politician and the Member of Parliament-elect for the Ayawaso Central Constituency in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana.

Faustina Elikplim Akurugu is a Ghanaian politician and the Member of Parliament for the Dome-Kwabenya Constituency in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana.

References

  1. "Bagbin is Speaker for 8th Parliament". MyJoyOnline.com. 7 January 2021. Retrieved 7 January 2021.
  2. 1 2 3 Carrey, Kelvin (7 January 2021). "Alban Bagbin elected Speaker of 8th Parliament". 3NEWS. Retrieved 7 January 2021.
  3. "Petition Parliament over exclusion from parliamentary polls – Bagbin to SALL residents". Citinewsroom - Comprehensive News in Ghana. 18 May 2021. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  4. "Speaker Alban Bagbin urges SALL residents to petition Parliament - MyJoyOnline.com". Myjoyonline. 18 May 2021. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  5. Online, Peace FM. "Speaker Not An MP, For What Reason Will Gov't Gag Him? - Egyapa Mercer Quizzes". Peacefmonline- Ghana news. Retrieved 24 January 2022.
  6. Africa, Daily Guide (26 January 2012). "4 Ministers Sacked In Cabinet Shake-up". News Ghana. Retrieved 8 January 2021.
  7. 1 2 "Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin (NDC) (Nadowli West)". Upper West » Members Of Parliament » Profile. GhanaDistricts.com. Archived from the original on 11 July 2011. Retrieved 27 January 2010.
  8. "NDC presidential primaries: John Mahama secures landslide victory". Ghanaweb. 24 February 2019. Retrieved 12 February 2021.
  9. "We may never be able to rely on Bagbin for successful government business - Deputy Speaker - MyJoyOnline.com". Myjoyonline. 23 January 2022. Retrieved 24 January 2022.
  10. "Parliament of Ghana". parliament of ghana. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
  11. "DAGAABA (Dagaaba (Dagarti/Dagara) People". Dagaaba (Dagarti/Dagara) People. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  12. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Boakye, Edna Agnes (7 January 2021). "Profile of Speaker of 8th Parliament, Alban Bagbin". Citinewsroom - Comprehensive News in Ghana. Retrieved 12 February 2021.
  13. 1 2 "Alban Bagbin: 10 important facts about Ghana's 8th Speaker of Parliament". ghanaweb. 7 January 2021. Retrieved 8 January 2021.
  14. "Bagbin to run for presidency". ghanaweb. 30 November 2001. Retrieved 15 December 2017.
  15. Ghana Parliamentary Register 1992-1996. Ghana Publishing Corporation. 1993. p. 353.
  16. "President Mills reshuffles Ministers". General News of Monday, 25 January 2010. Ghana Home Page. Archived from the original on 29 January 2010. Retrieved 26 January 2010.
  17. "Reshuffle Blues: Sena Dansua Heads Sports Ministry". General News of Tuesday, 26 January 2010. Ghana Home Page. Archived from the original on 29 January 2010. Retrieved 26 January 2010.
  18. "Alban Bagbin Confirmed As Majority Leader of Parliament. He is considered as the all time legislature in the democratic history of Ghana". The Accra Report.
  19. "We're yet to debate new chamber project - Alban Bagbin". Citi Newsroom. 3 July 2019. Retrieved 6 July 2019.
  20. FM, Peace (17 December 2014). "Ghana Election 1996 Results - Nadowli North Constituency". Ghana Elections - Peace FM. Retrieved 9 October 2020.
  21. 1 2 3 FM, Peace (17 December 2014). "Ghana Election 2000 Results - Nadowli North Constituency". Ghana Elections - Peace FM. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  22. 1 2 3 4 5 Elections 2004; Ghana's Parliamentary and Presidential Elections (PDF). Accra: Electoral Commission of Ghana; Friedrich Ebert Stiftung. 2005. p. 190.
  23. Ghana Parliamentary Register, 2004-2008. Ghana: The Office of Parliament. 2004.
  24. Agyeman, Adwoa (4 January 2021). "NPP chooses Prof Mike Oquaye as Speaker of Parliament". Adomonline. Retrieved 16 January 2021.
  25. "ALEXANDER AFENYO MARKIN vs. SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT AND ATTORNEY - GENERAL[2024]DLSC17713". www.dennislawgh.com. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
  26. "Ghana's parliament suspended after chaotic scenes". BBC . 23 October 2024.
  27. "Power shifts in Parliament; NDC becomes majority caucus after Speaker declares 4 MPs seats vacant - MyJoyOnline". www.myjoyonline.com. 17 October 2024. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
  28. "Supreme Court rules: Speaker's declaration of four seats vacant is unconstitutional - MyJoyOnline". www.myjoyonline.com. 12 November 2024. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
  29. "Supreme Court overrules Bagbin's decision on vacant seats". 12 November 2024. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
  30. Ankah, Gertrude (7 January 2025). "Alban Bagbin retained as Speaker of Ghana's 9th Parliament". Graphic Online. Retrieved 8 January 2025.
Parliament of Ghana
Preceded by
New constituency
MP for Nadowli North
1993 2005
Succeeded by
Constituency changed
Preceded by
New constituency
Member of Parliament for Nadowli West
2005 2021
Succeeded by
Sumah Anthony Mwinikaara
Political offices
Preceded by
?
Minority Leader
2005 2009
Succeeded by
John Tia
Preceded by Majority Leader
2009 2010
Succeeded by
Preceded by Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing
2010 2012
Succeeded by
Preceded by Minister for Health
2012 2014
Succeeded by
Preceded by Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana
2021
Succeeded by
incumbent
Order of precedence
Preceded by Alban Bagbin
Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana
Succeeded by