Bernard Ahiafor, the Member of Parliament for Akatsi South, has been elected as the 1st Deputy Speaker of Ghana’s 9th Parliament. His nomination, put forward by the National Democratic Congress (NDC), was seconded by the Deputy Minority Leader.
In addition, Andrew Amoako Asiamah, the Member of Parliament for Fomena, has been re-elected as the 2nd Deputy Speaker. Asiamah, who has held the position since January 2021, was re-nominated and confirmed by the House.
Ahiafor, a seasoned lawmaker and practising lawyer, has represented Akatsi South since 2013. He is highly regarded for his legal expertise and has served on several key parliamentary committees, including the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee. His extensive experience is expected to strengthen his role as 1st Deputy Speaker.
The election of the Deputy Speakers followed the official inauguration of the 9th Parliament on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at Parliament House in Accra.
Earlier, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin was sworn in as Speaker of Parliament by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. Bagbin, who previously served as Speaker of the 8th Parliament, was re-nominated by the NDC and received broad support from Members of Parliament. His re-election marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s democratic progress.
Following his swearing-in, Speaker Bagbin presided over the oath-taking ceremony for the 275 Members of Parliament-elect, with the exception of the representative from Ablekuma North constituency. The event, attended by family, friends, and dignitaries, marked the beginning of a new legislative era.
The NDC emerged as the majority party in the 2024 elections, securing 183 of the 276 seats in Parliament. The NDC has retained its leadership team for the 9th Parliament, with Cassiel Ato Forson (MP for Ajumako Enyan Essiam) as Majority Leader, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP for Ellembelle) as Deputy Majority Leader, Governs Kwame Agbodza (MP for Adaklu) as Majority Chief Whip, and Ahmed Ibrahim (MP for Banda) as Deputy Majority Chief Whip.
Source:TheDotNews