Meet elected Deputy Speakers of Ghana’s 9th Parliament

Cindy Selasi Humade Selasi Humade
Cindy Selasi Humade Selasi Humade
4 Min Read

Ghana’s 9th Parliament has ushered in a fresh chapter of leadership with the election of Bernard Ahiafor and Andrew Amoako Asiamah as its Deputy Speakers, reinforcing a leadership team that blends party allegiance with independent influence

Profile of Bernard Ahiafor– 1st Deputy Speaker of Ghana’s 9th Parliament.

Bernard Ahiafor, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Akatsi South, has been elected as the 1st Deputy Speaker of the 9th Parliament. His nomination was made by Governs Kwame Agbodza, MP for Adaklu, and seconded by Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei. With no opposing nominations, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin declared Ahiafor duly elected, reflecting his growing influence within Ghana’s political landscape.

Ahiafor’s political career began in 2012 when he won a by-election to represent the Akatsi South constituency after Edward Doe Adjaho vacated the seat to become Speaker of Parliament. Running on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Ahiafor secured 12,079 votes to clinch the victory. Since then, he has consistently retained his seat, strengthening his reputation as a reliable and influential figure within the NDC.

In the 2016 general elections, Ahiafor secured 16,916 votes (56.34%), defeating multiple contenders. His dominance continued in the 2020 elections, where he won a landslide victory with 31,624 votes, representing 83.71% of the total ballots cast. His closest rival, Leo-Nelson Adzidoga of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), trailed significantly with 5,550 votes (14.69%).

Born on February 6, 1973, in Atidzive, Ahiafor holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Ghana and pursued his O-Level education at Abor Senior High School. His rise to 1st Deputy Speaker enhances the NDC’s influence in Parliament and positions him as a crucial player in shaping legislative policies.

Profile of Andrew Amoako Asiamah – 2nd Deputy Speaker of Ghana’s 9th Parliament.

Andrew Amoako Asiamah, the MP for Fomena, retains his role as 2nd Deputy Speaker, further solidifying his unique position as the only independent parliamentarian to hold such a prestigious role. His nomination was presented by Frank Annor Dompreh, MP for Nsawam Adoagyiri, and seconded by Tamale South MP, Haruna Iddrisu. Asiamah’s unopposed election reflects the respect and trust he commands across the political divide.

Born on February 24, 1966, in Wioso-Adansi in the Ashanti Region, Asiamah’s educational background is extensive. He holds an MSc in Environmental Resources Management, an MA in Conflict Resolution, and an LLB from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). A qualified lawyer, Asiamah previously practiced at Minka Premo and Co. and held key positions at the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly.

Asiamah first entered Parliament in 2016 on the ticket of the NPP, winning 72.7% of the votes in the Fomena constituency. However, discontent with party processes led him to contest the 2020 elections as an independent candidate, a move that saw him expelled from the NPP. Despite this, he won the election with 12,805 votes, outperforming his closest opponent, Philip Ofori-Asante of the NPP, who secured 10,798 votes.

His role as an independent MP became pivotal after the 2020 elections, as neither the NPP nor the NDC held a clear majority in Parliament. Asiamah’s influence was further cemented when he was elected 2nd Deputy Speaker, a historic appointment for an independent MP.

Despite parting ways with the NPP, Asiamah has expressed a willingness to reconcile with the party, and discussions regarding his potential return remain ongoing. His position as 2nd Deputy Speaker places him at the heart of parliamentary affairs, contributing to legislative balance and promoting impartiality.

story by: Cindy Selasi Humade |

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