Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has assured that the Parliament of Ghana, under his leadership, will not shirk its responsibility in executing its mandate as legislature.
This, he said, would help address developmental issues that have effect on the citizens, and also increase economic growth. The Speaker called on Ghanaians to render support to Parliament in its quest to defend the interest of the country in all areas.
“What we will want from all Ghanaians are patience and understanding because criticism is good, so feel free to criticize when the need arises, but do so by first seeking to understand the issues at stake and the developments in relation to them. This is because what meets the eye is not always what the real issue is,” he said.
I am confident of the support of all Ghanaians as we journey along on this unchartered path that the current Parliament of Ghana represents. I am convinced that success will attend our efforts,” he added.
Mr. Bagbin made the remarks during his visit to his hometown, Sombo in the Nandowli Kalei Constituency in the Upper East Region. He was accompanied by leadership of the house including Majority Leader, Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu and Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, the Minority Leader in Parliament, as well as some bigwigs of both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Speaking at a gathering, he expressed his gratitude to the Members of Parliament, his constituents, and family for their support throughout his political career over almost three decades.
He stated that “this is the reason why I deemed it fit and proper to come home to give thanks and praises to my creator and my people, on whose vote of confidence I rode to be where I am today, and for the favours and the bountiful blessings, I have always received.”
He indicated that it was timely and the Lord’s doing for him to be serving as Speaker of Parliament whom for the first time in the country history comes from the minority group of the house. This, he further said, goes to emphasize Parliament’s mandate to defend the interest of Ghanaians and to strengthen institutions, not individuals.
He stressed that there is also the responsibility, given the current numbers in the House, to maintain a balance between political party interests and that of the country.
“We all have our peculiar and time-tested ways of expressing our innermost emotions, be it joy or sadness. Our relationship with our God as Christians and the responsibilities and expectations that govern that relationship makes thanksgiving one of the most frequently used means of communicating with our Father in Heaven.”
The Upper West Regional Minister, Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih commended the Speaker for his appointment to the high office and assured the support of the traditional chiefs and people of Wa in the discharge of his duties for the country.
