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The Member of Parliament for Akatsi South, Bernard Ahiafor, 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.
Similarly, Andrew Amoako Asiamah, the Member of Parliament for Fomena, was re-elected as the 2nd Deputy Speaker, a position he has held since January 2021.
Bernard Ahiafor’s Qualifications and Role
Bernard Ahiafor, a seasoned legislator from the Volta Region, has represented Akatsi South since 2013. A practising lawyer, he is widely respected for his expertise in legal and constitutional matters. Over the years, Ahiafor has served on key parliamentary committees, including the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee.
With his extensive experience in parliamentary procedures and legal affairs, Ahiafor is expected to bring significant value to his new role as 1st Deputy Speaker, assisting in the smooth operation of the House.
Inauguration of the 9th Parliament
The election of the Deputy Speakers followed the official inauguration of Ghana’s 9th Parliament, held in the early hours of Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at Parliament House in Accra.
Earlier during the event, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin was re-elected as Speaker of Parliament. Sworn in by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, Bagbin, who had previously served as Speaker during the 8th Parliament, was re-nominated by the NDC and secured overwhelming support from Members of Parliament.
Bagbin’s re-election is regarded as a pivotal moment in Ghana’s democratic journey, with many commending his seasoned leadership. After his swearing-in, Bagbin presided over the oath-taking ceremony for 275 Members of Parliament-elect, with the exception of the representative from the Ablekuma North constituency.
The swearing-in ceremony, attended by family, friends, and dignitaries, signified the start of a new legislative era.
NDC Majority and Leadership Team
The 2024 general elections gave the NDC a commanding majority in Parliament, winning 183 out of the 276 seats. This victory allowed the party to retain its leadership team for the 9th Parliament:
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)
Andrew Amoako Asiamah’s Re-Election
Andrew Amoako Asiamah’s re-election as the 2nd Deputy Speaker reflects his ability to navigate parliamentary affairs effectively. Representing the Fomena constituency as an independent candidate, he has garnered respect across party lines, making him a unifying figure in the House.
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