The Parliament of Ghana will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the passing of the late Rt. Hon. Justice Daniel Francis Kweipe Annan, the first Speaker of Parliament under the Fourth Republic, with a two-day programme celebrating his enduring contributions to Ghana’s democratic governance.
The commemoration, scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, and Thursday, July 16, 2026, will be held under the auspices of the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, as Parliament pays tribute to one of the country’s foremost statesmen and architects of the Fourth Republic.
Justice Annan served as Speaker of the First and Second Parliaments of the Fourth Republic from 1993 to 2001. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in consolidating Ghana’s return to constitutional rule and strengthening the foundations of parliamentary democracy. His leadership helped shape the legislative institution during the formative years of the Fourth Republic and established parliamentary traditions that continue to guide the House today.
The commemoration will begin on Wednesday, July 15 with formal statements on the floor of Parliament by the leadership of both sides of the House. The statements will reflect on Justice Annan’s life, distinguished public service, and invaluable contributions to Ghana’s democratic development.
Activities will continue on Thursday, July 16, with a wreath-laying ceremony in honour of the late Speaker. This will be followed by a memorial lecture at the D.F. Annan Auditorium, to be delivered by retired Supreme Court Justice William Atuguba. The lecture is expected to highlight Justice Annan’s legacy, his role in the evolution of Ghana’s parliamentary democracy, and the importance of preserving the democratic values he championed.
Parliament has invited Members of Parliament, members of the diplomatic corps, the media, civil society organisations, the general public, and other stakeholders in Ghana’s democracy to participate in the commemorative events.
The anniversary serves as an opportunity for the nation to reflect on the life and legacy of Justice Daniel Francis Annan, whose commitment to constitutional governance, parliamentary independence, and democratic consolidation earned him widespread respect across the political divide.
As Ghana continues to strengthen its democratic institutions, Parliament says the commemoration will honour the memory of the country’s first Speaker of the Fourth Republic while inspiring current and future generations to uphold the principles of integrity, fairness, and service that defined his public life.
Source: The Public Affairs Subdivision of Parliament
By: Joyce Owusu
Howedey.com reporter
