Bernard Ahiafor, the member of parliament for Akatsi South, was chosen to serve as Ghana’s ninth parliament’s first deputy speaker.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) nominated him, and the Deputy Minority Leader seconded it. Also elected as the second deputy speaker of parliament is Andrew Amoako Asiamah, who has been the member of parliament for Fomena since January 2021. Since 2013, seasoned Volta Region lawmaker Bernard Ahiafor has served as Akatsi South’s representative.
Ahiafor is a well-known lawyer who practices law and is respected for his knowledge of the law. The Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs panels are among the important parliamentary panels he has served on.
It is anticipated that his extensive knowledge of legal matters and parliamentary procedures will greatly strengthen his position as first deputy speaker.
Early on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, the 9th Parliament was formally inaugurated at Parliament House in Accra, followed by the election of the Deputy Speakers.
Earlier, Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo swore in Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, who had been re-elected as Speaker of Parliament.
Members of Parliament overwhelmingly supported Bagbin’s re-nomination by the NDC, who had previously served as Speaker during the 8th Parliament.
Since he continues to give the House seasoned leadership, his reelection as Speaker is seen as a significant turning point in Ghana’s democratic growth.
Speaker Bagbin oversaw the oath-taking ceremony for the 275 Members of Parliament-elect after he was sworn in, with the exception of the representative from the Ablekuma North constituency.
Family, friends, and dignitaries attended the ceremony, which signaled the start of a new era in legislation.
The NDC kept its leadership team for the 9th Parliament after winning 183 of the 276 seats in Parliament in the 2024 elections, making it the majority party. For the upcoming session, the NDC’s leadership comprises:
- Majority Leader: Cassiel Ato Forson (MP for Ajumako Enyan Essiam)
- Deputy Majority Leader: Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP for Ellembelle)
- Majority Chief Whip: Governs Kwame Agbodza (MP for Adaklu)
- Deputy Majority Chief Whip: Ahmed Ibrahim (MP for Banda)
Source: Citinewsroom.com