Accra: The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Caucus has nominated Mr. Bernard Ahiafor, the Member of Parliament for Akatsi South, as the First Deputy Speaker of the Ninth Parliament of the Fourth Republic. This nomination occurred during a meeting of the NDC Parliamentary Caucus.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Speaker of the House is assisted by two Deputy Speakers, the First and Second Deputy Speakers. These positions are filled at the start of every Parliament, with the requirement that both Deputies belong to different political parties. Traditionally, the First Deputy Speaker is selected from the Majority Group.
The role of the First Deputy Speaker includes presiding over the sessions of the House in the Speaker's absence. During these times, the First Deputy Speaker assumes all the powers of the Speaker to ensure smooth and effective proceedings within the House. Additionally, the First Deputy Speaker is tasked with leading the Appointments Committee and the Privileges Committee, as per the Standing Orders of the House.
