President-elect John Dramani Mahama has called on the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Parliament to renominate Alban Bagbin as Speaker for the 9th Parliament.This was disclosed in a press release issued by Mahama’s office and signed by his special aide, Felix Kwakye Ofosu. The statement indicated that following consultations with the party’s national executive and parliamentary leadership, Mr.

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Mahama believes Bagbin’s experience makes him the ideal candidate to lead the new Parliament.The current 8th Parliament is set to dissolve on Monday, January 6, to make way for the election of a Speaker and deputies for the incoming 9th Parliament.Meanwhile, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has also endorsed Bagbin’s leadership, commending him for his handling of parliamentary affairs over the past four years.

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He emphasized Bagbin’s commitment to the welfare of MPs, despite occasional disagreements between the Majority and the Speaker.“Mr Speaker, let me commend you for the four years of your leadership in this House. We may have had our disagreements, but it is clear that the welfare of members has been key to your leadership. Nobody can take that away from you,” Afenyo-Markin stated on the floor of Parliament on Monday, December 17.

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Praising Bagbin’s institutional reforms, he added: “Mr Speaker, the institutional empowerment you have given to Parliament is unmatched, and it is likely because we have you as Speaker coming from within.

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"The Effutu MP further stated his preference for a Speaker from among current members of Parliament: "Mr Speaker, I don’t know whether you will be retained or if a new person will be appointed… If they decide to maintain you, I know Parliament will continue to benefit. But should they decide to retire you, which I know they can do, if they choose to bring in a new Speaker, that person should come from within. We don’t want an outsider.”

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