Kofi Attor, a founding member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Chief of Staff at the Office of the Speaker, recently highlighted thel role Speaker Alban Bagbin is playing in Ghana's Eighth Parliament. Attor emphasized that Bagbin's leadership and extensive parliamentary experience are essential in ensuring the legislature performs its duties effectively.
The current Parliament is unique, often referred to as a "hung parliament" due to the unprecedented equal split between the NDC and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), each holding 137 seats after the 2020 elections. Additionally, one independent MP, the Second Deputy Speaker Andrew Asiamah Amoako, chose to align with the NPP, tipping the balance slightly.
Bagbin’s election as Speaker marked another first, being the first Speaker from the opposition party in the Fourth Republic. His long tenure in Parliament, spanning 28 years, has provided him with an in-depth understanding of its history and workings, a perspective that Kofi Attor believes is invaluable. Speaking on JoyNews, Attor praised Bagbin’s performance, noting his intimate knowledge of parliamentary proceedings and individual members, which has helped maintain stability and order.
Attor elaborated on Bagbin's contributions behind the scenes, mentioning his efforts to improve the welfare of parliamentary workers and create new structures within the legislature. Despite challenges, including limited resources, Bagbin’s leadership has been instrumental in navigating these issues.
Furthermore, Attor pointed out the significant strides made by the NDC in advancing Ghana’s social democratic agenda. He highlighted the reduction of schools under trees and the expansion of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) as notable achievements. Under the NDC, the NHIS transitioned from a district-based, mutual scheme to a more comprehensive national program, benefiting many more Ghanaians. The party also expanded school feeding programs from major cities to rural areas, significantly increasing coverage.
Echoing these sentiments, NDC leader John Dramani Mahama recently called on party members to renew their commitment to the values of unity, stability, and development, underscoring the party's ongoing dedication to national progress.
In conclusion, Speaker Alban Bagbin’s experience and leadership have been pivotal in managing Ghana’s hung Parliament. His efforts, supported by the NDC’s achievements, continue to shape the country’s democratic and developmental trajectory.