Rise above partisanship – Ofosu Ampofo to Bagbin

Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Ofosu Ampofo is urging the Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin to rise above partisanship while conducting business in the House.

Speaking at Mr Bagbin’s thanksgiving service held in the Upper West Region, he said that it is important for the Speaker to foster good relationships with members of parliament regardless of their party affiliation.

This, he explained, will help work closely with the members to resolve some of the challenges facing Ghanaians.

“Mr Speaker, for the past three months you have been described by the NDC as NPP speaker, at one time the NPP has described you as NDC speaker.”

“But Mr Speaker you have maintained the position that you are the Speaker of Ghana’s parliament and I believe that the various description gives credence to the fact that you will be capable of standing in the middle and steer the affairs of this parliament to a successful end,” he said.

Mr Ampofo stated that he is proud of Mr Bagbin’s achievement especially since he moved up in ranks from being a member of the first parliament under the fourth republic to being a majority and minority leader subsequently.

He said that he is confident he will live up to the expectations.

“Under the fourth republic there have been seven Speakers of Parliament, yours is a unique one. All of them were speakers when their party were in power, in your case, you are a speaker not representing the government or the party in power and that makes yours a very unique one. That is why we congratulate you, we are proud of your achievement as being the first Speaker from the opposition.”

Mr Ampofo added that the NDC will continue to pray and support Mr Bagbin in his mandate “at this stage of critical national development.”

Former MP for Nadowli Kaleo, Alban Sumana Bagbin of the NDC was been elected Speaker of the 8th Parliament of the Fourth Republic on January 7.

He won a chaotic, closely contested secret ballot in the Chamber of Parliament on Thursday against former Speaker, Prof Aaron Mike Oquaye.

Three months after his win, Alban Sumana Bagbin is currently in his hometown for a gratitude tour. He arrived in his home region, Upper West Region, on April 7, to a rousing welcome.

This is the Speaker’s first visit to his hometown after his historic election as the Speaker of Parliament on January 7, 2021.

On his arrival, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Bagbin, paid a courtesy call on the Overlord of the Waala Traditional Area, Naa Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo VI, in his Palace.

He was accompanied by a delegation of some members and staff of Parliament, including the MP for WA Central, Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, brother of the Waala.