As the curtains have been drawn on the Second Meeting of the First Session of the Ninth Parliament of the Fourth Republic, it is appropriate to provide an overview of the key achievements, legislative accomplishments, distinguished personalities received, heartfelt tributes, and significant milestones reached by the Parliament of Ghana between May and August 2025.
Throughout the Meeting, the House held multiple sittings, engaged in meaningful debates on various bills, vetted the President’s ministerial nominees, and considered committee reports.
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Legislative Achievements
At the core of Parliament’s responsibilities lies its legislative mandate. During this second Meeting, Parliament successfully enacted several bills that address urgent national issues and promote development-friendly reforms. These include:
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill, 2025, aimed at simplifying regulations, promoting sustainable aquaculture, and combating illegal fishing.
- Road Maintenance Trust Fund Bill, 2025, which establishes a dedicated fund to maintain Ghana’s road infrastructure through a transparent and sustainable framework.
- Energy Sector Levies Bill, 2025, which consolidates legislative provisions on energy levies to enhance efficiency and transparency.
- Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2025, restructures levy collection and deployment to strengthen financial stability for energy reforms.
- The Ghana Medical Trust Fund Bill, 2025, creates a Trust Fund to finance essential healthcare initiatives, infrastructure and research.
- Social Protection Bill, 2025, provides a legal framework to boost social welfare programs for vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, the elderly and children.
- University for Development Studies Bill, 2025, establishes the University for Development Studies (UDS) as an autonomous institution with improved governance and research capacity
- Public Holidays & Commemorative Days Bill, 2025, clarifies procedures for declaring and observing national holidays to ensure consistency across the calendar.
These legislative measures were a result of extensive committee deliberations and vigorous parliamentary debates, demonstrating Parliament’s responsiveness to national priorities.
Vetting of Supreme Court Justice and Deputy Ministerial Nominees
The Appointments Committee publicly vetted seven nominees for the Supreme Court. These distinguished individuals, appointed by President John Dramani Mahama, were:
- Justice Senyo Dzamefe
- Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei
- Justice Gbiel Simon Suurbaareh
- Justice Philip Bright Mensah
- Justice Janapare Adzua Bartels-Kodwo
- Justice Hafisata Amaleboba
- Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo
The nominees, all Justices of the Court of Appeal, answered questions concerning key constitutional principles, relevant case law, and their philosophical outlook on justice administration. Their vetting was comprehensive, with particular focus on legal expertise, impartiality, and vision for strengthening Ghana’s judiciary.
Parliament also paid considerable attention to the vetting of four Deputy Ministerial nominees: Dorcas Affo-Toffey (Transport), James Gyakye Quayson (Foreign Affairs), Mohammed Adam Sukparu (Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations), and Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah (Health). The Appointments Committee, led by Mr Bernard Ahiafor, held hearings where nominees shared their vision, answered questions about their integrity, and discussed issues related to their respective ministries.
Mid-Year Budget Report
The Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, presented the 2025 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review. He emphasised fiscal discipline and a cautious economic outlook. He indicated to the House that the government was not seeking additional funds. The review also focused on ongoing investments in key infrastructure and plans to improve revenue, including expanding taxes and reviewing current levies to keep the economy stable under an IMF-supported program.
Personalities & Dignitaries in the Chamber
A highlight of this Meeting was the visit of some important personalities. Ghana was proud to host India’s Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, who addressed a special session of Parliament. He underscored strengthening cooperation and friendship between Ghana and India. His visit accentuated the growing relationship between the two countries. Several envoys from sister Parliaments, students from local schools, and identifiable civil society leaders were officially received, helping to create a lively and friendly atmosphere in the Chamber.
Tributes and National Mourning
The Meeting also featured heartfelt tributes. Parliament remembered Ernest Kumi, the late MP for Akwatia, with Members praising his dedication and service to his constituency and the country. Across party lines, MPs eulogised him for his leadership, humility, and honesty.
Parliament recognised and honoured Daddy Lumba, one of Ghana’s most celebrated musicians, who passed away recently. Mr Akwasi Konadu from Manhyia North led the tribute, calling Daddy Lumba a legendary artist whose music combined beautiful melodies with meaningful social messages. Members of Parliament from all sides shared how his music touched lives and inspired many.
A few days after the House adjourned sine die, the nation was saddened by a horrific helicopter crash that claimed the lives of dedicated public servants, including a Member of Parliament, Dr Murtala Mohammed Ibrahim. Not only was he an impassioned legislator, but also an affable individual who showed respect to everyone around him.
Celebrations
It was not all gloom; the House also celebrated the achievement of Ghana’s women’s national football team, the Black Queens, for winning bronze at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. They praised the team’s achievements and their role in inspiring young people and representing Ghana on the international stage.
Concluding Reflections
The Second Meeting of the First Session of the Ninth Parliament is a testimony to Ghana’s democratic resilience, the dedication of Members of Parliament, and the significance of Parliament in the life of our nation. In a statement from the Speaker’s Office, First Deputy Speaker, Mr Bernard Ahiafor reminded MPs that recess is not vacation time, urging them to engage actively in constituency work, oversight field visits, and deepening of democratic culture. Parliament is set to reconvene in October 2025, with focus areas comprising budget preparations, implementation progress on newly passed bills, finalisation of unresolved matters, continuation of oversight of national priorities, and policy debates.