The National Democratic Congress (NDC) caucus in the legislature is expected to back Member of Parliament-elect for Akatsi South, Bernard Ahiafor, when the 9th Parliament convenes for the first time on January 7.
It follows the endorsement of President-elect John Mahama of Speaker Alban Bagbin to serve another term in the House.
Mr. Ahiafor, a lawyer by profession, has been in Parliament since January 2017. His seat used to be occupied by former Speaker Edward Doe Adjaho who rose to the legislature’s top job in the 6th Parliament.
Four years ago, he was considered for 2nd Deputy Speaker, however, it did not materialize after talks to permit the New Patriotic Party to occupy the position in the aftermath of Mr. Bagbin’s surprise win in the Speaker election.
The 51-year old lawmaker serves as the Ranking Member of the powerful Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee in Parliament. He is also a member of the Standing Orders and Education Committees.
His nomination as 1st Deputy Speaker is expected to face little opposition as the NDC is set to enjoy a commanding majority in the upcoming parliament.
The outgoing 1st Deputy Speaker, Joseph Osei-Wusu is exiting the House after over 15 years as Member of Parliament for Bekwai.
Traditionally, the incumbent Speaker and 1st Deputy Speaker have come from the same political party with the exceptions of the 4th and 8th Parliaments.
Speaker Bagbin is expected to have a better working relationship with Mr. Ahiafor compared to Mr. Osei-Wusu whom he occasionally accused of undermining him.
