Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, a distinguished statesman, lawyer, and seasoned politician, serves as the Speaker of the 8th Parliament of Ghana’s 4th Republic. His career spans over four decades, during which he has held various leadership roles in governance, law, and public service.
Early Life and Education
Born in the Upper West Region of Ghana, Rt. Hon. Bagbin attended Sombo R.C. Primary School and Wa Secondary School before proceeding to Tamale Secondary School, where he earned his Advanced Level Certificate in 1977.
He furthered his education at the University of Ghana School of Law, graduating in 1980 with a degree in Law and English. He then enrolled at the Ghana School of Law and was called to the Bar in 1982. His academic pursuits also included obtaining a Certificate in Privatization in Public Utilities and Infrastructure from the Eastern and Southern Africa Management Institute (ESAMI) in Tanzania and an Executive Master’s Degree in Governance and Leadership from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) in 2008.
Professional Career
Rt. Hon. Bagbin began his career with the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), serving as an Assistant Administrative Officer and acting Secretary to the Board. Simultaneously, he practiced law at Akyem Chambers. He later joined the State Hotels Corporation as a Personnel Manager before teaching English in Libya for a brief period.
Upon returning to Ghana in 1986, he resumed his legal practice, serving as an external solicitor for various banks, industries, and traditional stools. He later co-founded the Law Trust Company, a private law firm, where he served as Managing Partner.
Political Journey
Elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Nadowli in 1992, Rt. Hon. Bagbin has been a key figure in Ghana’s legislature for decades. During his tenure, he chaired several parliamentary committees, including the Public Accounts Committee, the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, and the House Committee.
In late 2000, he was appointed Minority Leader of Parliament by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and, in 2009, was elevated to Majority Leader. His expertise in parliamentary leadership also earned him the role of 2nd Deputy Speaker in 2017 during the 7th Parliament.
Executive Roles
Beyond Parliament, Rt. Hon. Bagbin served as the Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing, and later as Minister for Health. He also held an advisory role in the Office of the President, further showcasing his versatility in governance.
Achievements as Speaker
In January 2021, Rt. Hon. Bagbin was elected Speaker of the 8th Parliament of the 4th Republic, making history as the first Speaker elected from an opposition party. He has since brought his extensive experience to bear on parliamentary proceedings, fostering collaboration and championing legislative reforms.
Board Memberships and International Engagements
Rt. Hon. Bagbin has represented Ghana on various international platforms, including the Africa-Caribbean-Pacific Group (ACP), the European Union Joint Parliamentary Assembly (EUJPA), and the Global Organization for Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC). He is also the immediate past President of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and currently serves as the President of the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of Parliaments in Africa.
Domestically, he has served on the boards of the Ghana Ports and Harbors Authority (GPHA), Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the National Media Commission (NMC), and the Legal Aid Board.
Legacy and Bar Membership
A committed member of the Ghana Bar Association since 1982, Rt. Hon. Bagbin has marked 43 years at the Bar, contributing significantly to Ghana’s legal and political landscape.
With a career defined by dedication, expertise, and leadership, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin continues to leave an indelible mark on Ghana’s democratic governance.
