NDC nominates Bernard Ahiafor for First Deputy Speaker position

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Caucus in Parliament has nominated Bernard Ahiafor, the Member of Parliament-elect for Akatsi South, for consideration as the First Deputy Speaker in the 9th Parliament.

This decision follows a caucus meeting held on Monday morning, where Mr. Ahiafor was selected as their candidate for the crucial position.

According to Article 95(1) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, Parliament must elect a Speaker from among the sitting Members of Parliament or those qualified to be elected.

In addition to the Speaker, two deputy speakers—First and Second—are to be appointed to assist in presiding over debates and acting in the Speaker’s absence.

The NDC Caucus has already agreed to nominate the current Speaker, Alban S.K. Bagbin, for a second term. Following this, the party has also decided on Bernard Ahiafor as a candidate for First Deputy Speaker.

Though tradition may allow the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to nominate a candidate for the Second Deputy Speaker role, the NDC, with a nearly two-thirds majority in the 9th Parliament, could choose another member of their party for the second deputy position.

The First Deputy Speaker’s responsibilities include assisting in presiding over parliamentary debates, ensuring adherence to parliamentary rules and procedures, and acting as Speaker in the absence of the Speaker.

This position demands impartiality and a solid understanding of parliamentary practices.