In Ghana, Parliament's principal function is to pass legislation. Aside from that, it conducts financial, representative, executive, supervisory, and deliberative tasks to ensure effective governance. To carry out these tasks, Parliament requires a competent and qualified legal expert who can successfully control government activities. With the 9th Parliament approaching, three prominent personalities emerge as probable candidates for this critical position: Alban Bagbin, Edward Doe Adjaho, and Joyce Bamford-Addo. Let's look at their histories, careers, and contributions to see who is most suited for the job.

1. Kingsford Alban Sumana Bagbin

Early Life and Education

Alban Bagbin was born September 24, 1957, in Sombo, a small town in the Upper West Region. His parents, Margaret and Sansunni Bagbin, peasant farmers, raised him as the fourth of nine children. Bagbin attended Wa Secondary School and Tamale Secondary School before receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Law from the University of Ghana in 1980. He was called to the Bar in 1982 after attending the Ghana School of Law. He also has an Executive Master's Degree in Governance and Leadership from GIMPA.



Career Highlights



Bagbin began his job as a Personnel Manager for State Hotels Corporation before teaching in Libya. When he returned to Ghana, he began working as a lawyer at Akyem Chambers before becoming a partner at Law Trust Company.



Political Achievements

Bagbin has had an impressive political career spanning three decades. He has been a member of Parliament since 1992, representing the Nadowli West Constituency and is one of Ghana's longest-serving MPs. He served as Majority Leader and Minister of Water Resources, Works, and Housing.

Bagbin was elected as Speaker of the 8th Parliament in January 2021, ousting incumbent Mike Oquaye. Critical choices under his leadership have included constitutional rulings and debates over parliamentary reforms.

Why Bagbin stands out

Bagbin's vast parliamentary experience and legal knowledge make him a viable candidate. As the incumbent Speaker, his thorough awareness of Ghana's legislative procedures qualifies him as a viable candidate for the 9th Parliament.

2. Edward Korbly Doe Adjaho

Early Life and Education

Edward Doe Adjaho was born January 3, 1957. He received his secondary education at Accra Academy before graduating from the University of Ghana with a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) in 1984. Adjaho was admitted to the Bar in 1986, following his studies at the Ghana School of Law.

Career Highlights

Adjaho was a lawyer at the Attorney General's Department before becoming a politician. His legal experience provided a solid foundation for his future political positions.

Political Achievements.

Adjaho was elected to Parliament in 1993 and served for 20 years as the representative for the Avenor-Ave seat. As an active member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), he held several leadership posts, including Deputy Speaker and First Deputy Speaker of Parliament. Adjaho made history in 2013 by becoming the Fourth Republic's first Speaker elected from among incumbent MPs. His tenure lasted till January 2017.

Why Adjaho stands out

Adjaho's ability to hold his parliamentary seat for two decades demonstrates his perseverance and outstanding representative qualities. His previous experience as Speaker, as well as his thorough comprehension of legislative proceedings, qualify him for the position again.

3. Joyce Adeline Bamford-Addo.

Joyce Bamford-Addo was born in 1937 and raised in Aburi by an English father and a Ghanaian mother. She attended St. Mary's and Holy Child School in Cape Coast before studying law in the United Kingdom. She was admitted to the English Bar in 1961, and then to the Ghana Bar the following year.

Career highlights:

Bamford-Addo began her work as an Assistant State Attorney before rising through the ranks to become Chief State Attorney in 1973. She was appointed Director of Public Prosecutions in 1976 and served in that capacity for ten years.

Jerry Rawlings appointed Bamford-Addo as Ghana's first female Supreme Court justice in 1991, breaking down boundaries. She retired in 2004, but continued to contribute to Ghana's legal and political scene.

Political Achievements.

Bamford-Addo made history again in 2009 when she became Ghana's first female Speaker of Parliament, a position she held until 2013. Her selection not only reflected progress toward gender equality, but also demonstrated her abilities as a legal and political leader.

Why Bamford-Addo stands out.

Bamford-Addo is a pioneer in Ghanaian politics and law. Her stint as Speaker confirmed her capacity to guide Parliament with integrity and fairness. As the first woman to hold the role, she continues to be an inspiration for Ghanaian leaders.

Who is the best fit for the job?

The position of Speaker of Parliament necessitates extensive legal knowledge, strong leadership abilities, and a thorough awareness of parliamentary procedures. While Alban Bagbin, Edward Doe Adjaho, and Joyce Bamford-Addo each bring distinct attributes to the table, their fitness for the post can be determined by their experience, contributions, and leadership style.

1.Alban Bagbin: As the current Speaker, Bagbin has a track record of strong leadership and extensive parliamentary understanding. His experience handling difficult discussions and constitutional issues offers him a significant advantage.

2. Edward Doe Adjaho: Adjaho's years of experience as a Member of Parliament and as Speaker demonstrate his capacity to successfully represent and lead. His legal expertise strengthens his eligibility for the position.

3. Joyce Bamford-Addo (Bamford-Addo's trailblazing accomplishments and legal expertise make her an excellent contender. Her leadership as the first female Speaker displayed competency, impartiality, and integrity.

Choosing the best candidate for Ghana's ninth Parliament is ultimately determined by the political landscape's priorities. Alban Bagbin's present leadership indicates that he has the momentum and experience to remain as Speaker. However, Edward Doe Adjaho's long tenure in Parliament and Joyce Bamford-Addo's outstanding reputation make them formidable candidates.

Each of these people have the talents and expertise required to lead Ghana's Parliament with distinction.