Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin: A Distinguished Career in Public Service

Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin: A Distinguished Career in Public Service

Accra, Ghana – Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, has had a remarkable career spanning over four decades in law, politics, and public service. His journey from the classrooms of the Upper West Region to the highest legislative office in Ghana is a testament to his dedication and leadership.

Born and educated in the Upper West Region, Bagbin’s early education took him through Sombo R.C. Primary and Wa Secondary School, before proceeding to Tamale Secondary School, where he earned his Advanced Level Certificate in 1977. He then pursued higher education at the University of Ghana School of Law, graduating in 1980 with a degree in Law and English, followed by a call to the Bar in 1982 after completing his studies at the Ghana Law School.

Bagbin’s academic pursuits extended beyond law, earning a certificate in Privatization in Public Utilities and Infrastructure from ESAMI in Tanzania, and an Executive Master’s Degree in Governance and Leadership from GIMPA in 2008.

His professional journey began with the Ghana Statistical Service, where he served as Assistant Administrative Officer. He later worked with the State Hotels Corporation as a Personnel Manager and taught English in Libya. Returning to Ghana, he established the Law Trust Company, a private law firm, where he served as Managing Partner.

Bagbin’s political career took off when he was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Nadowli in 1992, a position he held for 28 years until 2021. During his tenure in Parliament, he chaired key committees, including the Public Accounts Committee and the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee. His leadership qualities were recognized when he was appointed Minority Leader in 2000 and later Majority Leader in 2009.

His contributions extended to the executive branch, where he served as Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing, and later as Minister for Health. His expertise was also sought as an adviser in the Office of the President.

In 2017, Bagbin was elected as the 2nd Deputy Speaker under the Speakership of Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye Snr. His wealth of experience and leadership culminated in his election as Speaker of the 8th Parliament of the 4th Republic of Ghana in January 2021, a role he holds with distinction.

Beyond national duties, Bagbin has represented Ghana in numerous international organizations, including the Africa-Caribbean-Pacific Group, the European Union Joint Parliamentary Assembly, and the Global Organization for Parliamentarians Against Corruption. He has also served on the boards of the Ghana Ports and Harbors Authority, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, and the National Media Commission.

Bagbin is the immediate past President of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and the current President of the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of Parliaments in Africa. A member of the Ghana Bar Association since 1982, his 43 years in law and public service have been marked by a steadfast commitment to governance and leadership.

As he continues to serve as Speaker, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin remains a pivotal figure in Ghana’s political landscape, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the development and progress of the nation.

This profile of Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin is credited to Rockson-Nelson Dafeamakpor, MP, Esq.