The dominance of Ghana’s two major political parties has come under scrutiny following remarks by Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, who has advocated for the development of a viable third political force.
Addressing participants at a Political Inclusion and Consensus Building Forum hosted by the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA), Bagbin reflected on the country’s democratic evolution since the Fourth Republic began in 1992.
He shared memories of attending the maiden congress of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Cape Coast, noting the broad national representation that characterized the event. He said the diversity of participants reinforced unity and strengthened the foundations of Ghana’s democracy.
Bagbin further disclosed that he had, on invitation, attended congresses of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), where he witnessed comparable levels of participation and inclusiveness.
Despite these positive reflections, the Speaker voiced concern over what he described as the shrinking of Ghana’s political space.
“Now, we seem to have only two strong, vibrant, surviving parties,” he observed, emphasizing the need for a third force to provide alternative perspectives and enhance democratic accountability.
Bagbin concluded that expanding political competition would foster healthier debate, improve governance outcomes, and solidify Ghana’s democratic gains.
