The Wa Diocese of the Catholic Church has honoured the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, for his “enduring legacy as a leader rooted in wisdom and service”. 

The recognition was bestowed on him during a Eucharistic Celebration organised in honour of the Speaker at the chapel of the Bishop of Wa Diocese last Saturday.

The honour came with a citation, part of which read: “Cast in the mould of a Christ-like leader, you are a paragon of humility, service, love and integrity. In an era where truth and integrity are rare qualities for public servants, you stand out as a towering figure whose honesty is a light leading the world out of darkness”. 
 

Exceptional statesmanship 

In his Homily, the Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. Francis Bomansaan, M. Afr., applauded the Speaker’s exceptional statesmanship and passion for the underprivileged.

He said he had become a mentor to many young people, particularly within his community but also across the country, and that he had been a source of pride for both the region and the church.

“The Upper West and Ghana are privileged to have a selfless servant leader and virtuous Catholic as Speaker of Parliament,” he said. 

Appreciation

Mr Bagbin expressed gratitude to the church for exalting him and called for their unceasing prayers and spiritual guidance for the leadership of the country.

He said the Catholic Church was very instrumental in the development of Ghana, especially in underprivileged regions such as the Upper West.

He also described the church as the foundation stone of development in northern Ghana, and applauded its role in establishing and running some of the best educational and health facilities in the region.  

“I want to encourage the church to continue caring for both the spiritual and material needs of the underprivileged.

“I pledge that Parliament will continue to support the laudable initiatives of all religious bodies and organisations in the country,” he said.

Political career

A lawyer by profession, Mr Bagbin represented the Nadowli West constituency for 28 years (1993–2021) and during which time he served as Majority Leader, Minority Leader, and Minister for Health.

He was first elected as an MP in 1992 and served seven consecutive terms in Parliament, becoming a seasoned legislator.

During that time, he first served as Minority Leader (2000–2009) and then became the Majority Leader from 2009 to 2010, and again from 2014 to 2017.

As MP, he also had the opportunity to serve as Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing (2010–2012) and Minister for Health (2012–2013).

He was first elected as the Speaker of the Eighth Parliament on January 7, 2021, and retained as Speaker for the Ninth Parliament in January 2025.

He is the second person in Ghana's Fourth Republic to serve two terms as Speaker.