Bernard Ahiafor, Member of Parliament for Akatsi South, has been elected 1st Deputy Speaker of Ghana’s 9th Parliament. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) nominated Ahiafor and was seconded by the Deputy Minority Leader.
Andrew Amoako Asiamah, MP for Fomena, retained his position as 2nd Deputy Speaker, a role he has held since 2021. Ahiafor, a seasoned legislator from the Volta Region, has served Akatsi South in Parliament since 2013.
A practising lawyer, Ahiafor is respected for his expertise in legal matters and his contributions to parliamentary committees. He has been a key member of the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, showcasing his procedural knowledge.
His experience in legal and parliamentary affairs is expected to strengthen his contributions as 1st Deputy Speaker. The elections for Deputy Speakers followed the 9th Parliament’s inauguration on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, in Accra.
Earlier, Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo swore in Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, re-elected as Speaker of Parliament, during the ceremony. Bagbin, Speaker of the 8th Parliament, was re-nominated by the NDC and gained overwhelming support from MPs. His re-election as Speaker underscores his influential role in Ghana’s democratic development and parliamentary leadership.
Bagbin presided over the swearing-in of 275 MPs-elect, excluding the Ablekuma North representative, during the inauguration.
The event, attended by dignitaries and families, marked the start of a new legislative session. The NDC, with 183 seats after the 2024 elections, retained its leadership team for the 9th Parliament.
The leadership includes Cassiel Ato Forson as Majority Leader and Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah as Deputy Majority Leader.
Governs Kwame Agbodza serves as Majority Chief Whip, with Ahmed Ibrahim as Deputy Majority Chief Whip.
