The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has called for the emergence of a third strong political force in Ghana, arguing that the country’s democracy would be strengthened by broader political competition.

Speaking at a Political Inclusion and Consensus Building Forum organised by the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA) on Wednesday, February 18, Bagbin reflected on Ghana’s political journey since the beginning of the Fourth Republic in 1992.

He recalled attending the first congress of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Cape Coast, noting that the diversity of participants from across the country created a strong sense of unity and national belonging.

Bagbin also said he had attended congresses of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) upon invitation, where he observed a similar spirit of engagement and inclusiveness.

However, he expressed concern that Ghana’s political space has increasingly narrowed to two dominant parties.

“Now, we seem to have only two strong, vibrant, surviving parties,” he said. “For me, I think we need a third force.”