BY VALENTIA TETTEH
Over the years, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has built a reputation anchored in public service, advocacy for the vulnerable, and a leadership style shaped by humility and consensus-building qualities that have earned him recognition from diverse sectors of society.
The latest of such honours came from the Catholic Church, which has commended the Speaker for what it described as an enduring legacy of leadership rooted in wisdom, integrity, and service.
The recognition was conferred by the Wa Diocese during a special Eucharistic Celebration held in his honour at the Bishop’s Chapel in Wa on January 30, 2026.
Delivering a sermon at the ceremony, the Bishop of Wa, Francis Bomansah, praised the Speaker’s exceptional statesmanship and commitment to the underprivileged, noting that Ghana, particularly the Upper West Region, is privileged to have a selfless and virtuous leader serving as Speaker of Parliament.
A citation presented to Mr. Bagbin described him as a Christ-like leader and a paragon of humility, service, love, and integrity, adding that his honesty and moral uprightness stand out in an era where such virtues are increasingly rare in public life.
Beyond this honour, the Speaker’s leadership journey has been marked by decades of legislative work, advocacy for social justice, and efforts to promote inclusivity within Ghana’s democratic governance. His approach to leadership often characterised by dialogue, consensus, and respect for minority voices has continued to resonate across political, religious, and civil society circles.
In a brief response, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin expressed appreciation to the Catholic Church for the recognition and called for continued prayers and spiritual guidance for national leadership.
He highlighted the significant role of the Catholic Church in Ghana’s development, particularly in underserved areas such as the Upper West Region, describing the Church as a foundation stone for development in northern Ghana.
The Speaker further applauded the Church’s longstanding contributions to education and healthcare, noting its role in establishing and managing some of the country’s leading schools and health facilities.
He encouraged the Church to continue addressing both the spiritual and material needs of the underprivileged and reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to supporting the development initiatives of religious bodies across the country.
