The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has advocated the rise of a formidable third political movement, insisting that Ghana’s democratic system would benefit from more expansive competition beyond the two major parties.

Addressing participants at a Political Inclusion and Consensus Building Forum hosted by the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA) on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Bagbin reflected on the nation’s political evolution under the Fourth Republic, which began in 1992.

He recounted his presence at the maiden congress of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Cape Coast, describing the gathering as a defining moment that brought together people from varied backgrounds and regions, reinforcing a shared national identity.

He further disclosed that he had, on invitation, participated in congresses of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), where he witnessed comparable levels of vibrancy and participation.

Despite these experiences, the speaker voiced unease over what he perceives as the gradual contraction of Ghana’s political arena into a near two-party stronghold, warning that such dominance could limit the depth and inclusiveness of democratic engagement.

“Now, we seem to have only two strong, vibrant, surviving parties,” he said.

“For me, I think we need a third force.”