In a closely contested secret ballot in Parliament on Thursday for the position of Speaker of Parliament, Former MP for Nadowli Kaleo, Alban Sumana Bagbin of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was elected Speaker of the 8th Parliament of the Fourth Republic.

Polling 138 votes, Alban Bagbin won against his predecessor Prof. Aaron Mike Ocquaye who had 136 votes. One legislator failed to vote.

Some Ghanaians on social media have welcomed the election of Alban Sumana Bagbin of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as Speaker of the 8th Parliament of the Fourth Republic.

Many people believe this will his election as Speaker is a step in the right direction for Ghana's democracy.

Some explained that having a Speaker from the opposition will help with the power balance.

This is the separation of powers they taught us in school
Ruling Party NPP
Speaker of Parliament NDC
Deputy Independent
And a perfect blend of majority and minority
Ala 😹💔🔥...Ghana go jorm
Alban Bagbin

— Leslie Kay🇬🇭🔥 (@leslieeekay) January 7, 2021

To be honest I am very happy for Alban Bagbin. One of my favorite political character.

— JR (@Benn_Hinson) January 7, 2021

Alban Bagbin is a fine, reasonable gentleman. His humongous parliamentary experience has fetched him many friends across the aisle. The NPP won't find him a difficult Speaker to work with. This is good for our democracy and we should be glad the "Winner takes all" lever is broken

— PrInCe! (@PrinceBrobb) January 7, 2021

Just imagine Nana Addo and Bawumiah have travelled out of the country and the speaker becomes president and announces full lock down for 4years.#AlbanBagbin #FomenaMP #7thTo8thParliament

— Sir Muntaka (@nmuntaka) January 7, 2021

I wonder where Carlos Ahenkora has been hiding when Ghana needs a sprinter to win an Olympic medal for us 😅😅

Congrats to Hon. Alban Bagbin

— FÕRK ãñd KÑÎFË🍴🍲🍛 (@Forkandknife14) January 7, 2021

Who ordered the entry of the military to the house of parliament last night??? That should be Alban Bagbin's first order as speaker of the 8th parliament

— Dakura Timo Timo Ziyech (@ZaaluSuarez) January 7, 2021

Congratulations to @ndccommbureau 's Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin. This is a position he'd do well having served in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th parliament. A feat that's unmatched.

His rich knowledge in parliamentary proceedings will come in handy.

🎉💥

— Tutankhamun. (@Obiba_) January 7, 2021

Hon Alban Bagbin failed to lead the NDC into 2020 elections to become president, today he is 2 steps closer to the presidency than any other Ghanaian. This life erhhhh. Just pray for your time #7thTo8thParliament

— Ban Beo✌️ (@PrinceBanbeo) January 7, 2021

Congratulations to Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin for emerging Speaker of the 8th parliament of the 4th Republic of Ghana.

Let the NPP and the NDC work together for the progress of Ghana.#7thTo8thParliament

— ohemaa (@beatriceabeka) January 7, 2021

A well earned position
Congratulations Right Honorable Speaker Alban S K Bagbin

🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 #7thTo8thParliament pic.twitter.com/Fqd0rUyn8i

— Neequaye Kotei (@Nee_Kotei) January 7, 2021

Alban Bagbin the speaker of Parliament. A position he well deserves. I wish him well and pray he works in the interest of Ghana

— Orlandoyaw (@orlandoyaw) January 7, 2021

It's a good decision made to hv Alban SK Bagbin as speaker. He cums to the house with lots of experience. We must in all terms condemn the Unconportive nature of the hse prior to the speaker's election. They made it look like the next 4 yrs is eternity.
@GHOneTV
@tv3_ghana

— I 💗 Peace🇬🇭🇬🇭🇬🇭🇬🇭 (@richy_selacy) January 7, 2021

Congratulations Right honourable Alban Bagbin. Ghana really is lucky to have such a rich experienced like you as the 3rd most important gentleman of the country.

— Julian Djaba-Mensah (@julian_djaba) January 7, 2021

We shouldn't be Happy of Electing Alban Bagbin as Speaker of Parliament in Ghana.Not his Personality is the problem but the Challenges against the Government and the Progress of Ghana. Now Ghanaians must know that , Kennedy Agyapong is a Man of Intergrity . He deserved to Honour

— Kofi Ansah (@KofiAns87982406) January 7, 2021

The Judas amongst npp mp’s did a very great job. He knows that clearly, Hon. Mike Quaye is tired and really need some rest. Just look at Alban Bagbin. A man, very young with much physique. Good for Ghana #7thTo8thParliament

— Kelvin M. Ashong (@Mawunya_) January 7, 2021

I'm happy for Alban S.K Bagbin as elected speaker.
Parliament will really be interesting in the next 4 years

— Mr Laryea (@SeeDeblay) January 7, 2021

If you appreciate government business, you will never play balance card on Alban Bagbin as speaker and rejoice in it.
Wont be easy but we have a country to govern.

Hope the concensus play a key role for us all.

— Ɔman Ba Y.A ⭕️ (@GhanaBaYawAdofo) January 7, 2021

What if everything was planned and staged? What if both parties had reached a consensus ahead of the inaugration, that Alban Bagbin should be speaker and then the deputies be reserved for the NPP? 🤔#7thTo8thParliament https://t.co/cwUoBvE9fn

— Patriotic Citizen 🇬🇭 (@izaq_kwasi) January 7, 2021

Let’s not kid ourselves, Hon. Alban Bagbin is by far the most qualified speaker of Parliament in a long while. @valentinomcdona

— Albert Wilson Ahadjie (@albert_bertv66) January 7, 2021

Alban Bagbin will be the most not used speaker of parliament cos the majority is still the NPP

— MUFC🤪💪🏾🧛🏾 (@jhorge_energie) January 7, 2021

Wow Alban Bagbin looks so energetic. Best man for the job. The Judas in among npp mp’s did a very great job for Ghana. Congratulations next speaker of parliament. Well deserved #7thTo8thParliament

— Kelvin M. Ashong (@Mawunya_) January 7, 2021

I’m happy Alban Bagbin won and my mom is here sulking cos she likes Mike Ocquaye baahaahaahaa.

— BIG UMZZZ (@ummy_yah) January 7, 2021

Kennedy Agyapong after voting for Alban Bagbin😜😁😂 pic.twitter.com/rYiGgotYOn

— Bra Kwesi 233 (@Mcnelly_Kwesi) January 7, 2021

Am not sure the President and the Vice will ever leave the country in the next four years at the same time ooo. Immediately they leave Alban Bagbin is the President oooo.#7thTo8thParliament

— Kwame Dwomoh Agyeman (@dwomohkwame1) January 7, 2021

Oh life!
4 years today the Hon. Joe Osei Owusu was 1st deputy speaker of parliament and Hon Alban S K Bagbin was 2se deputy speaker. Now the 2 se deputy speaker previously is the main speaker a boss to his previous boss!!!😂😂😂.

— Lambert A Aponyi (@AponyiLambert) January 7, 2021

Alban Bagbin will be one of the best speakers if not the best !

— 💛Kat. Scalo Jay CFC💙 (@ScaloJay22) January 7, 2021

https://twitter.com/thisismaame/status/1347144603963699200

https://twitter.com/NoiOmaboeXII/status/1347144335020716034

https://twitter.com/taufiqhussein1/status/1347143719418519568

https://twitter.com/phoenixgarincha/status/1347143660761182209

https://twitter.com/james_AKE/status/1347141366292357120

https://twitter.com/MensahOscar/status/1347141130383667201

https://twitter.com/KwesiHornsby/status/1347140985894141952