Parliament has adjourned sine die for the Christmas recess, marking the end of the Third Meeting of the First Session of the Ninth Parliament.
Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, in his concluding remarks read on his behalf by the First Deputy Speaker, Benard Ahiafor, expressed concern over instances of disorderly conduct witnessed during debates in the session.
He condemned chaotic scenes on the floor and urged Members of Parliament to uphold dignity, discipline and constructive democratic engagement.
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Addressing the House on Friday, December 19, he described the session as demanding but productive, noting that the recess would allow MPs to attend to other constitutional duties and constituency responsibilities.
Reviewing the House’s performance, the Speaker highlighted significant achievements, noting that Parliament successfully reconstituted its Standing and Select Committees, considered 14 Bills and passed 7, examined and operationalised several Legislative Instruments, and answered more than 100 parliamentary questions. He added that the House also approved key petroleum agreements, tax exemptions, visa waivers and international conventions, endorsed statutory fund disbursement formulas for 2026, and undertook extensive committee referrals and policy reviews to strengthen governance and legislative oversight.
A major highlight was the presentation and deliberation on the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy, supported by a post-budget workshop to enhance MPs’ understanding.
The Speaker also celebrated Parliament’s growing international influence, citing his election as President of APNAC, President of the African Geopolitical Group of the IPU, and his appointment to the IPU Task Force on the Russia–Ukraine conflict, reflecting global confidence in Ghana’s Parliamentary leadership.
He expressed gratitude to Parliamentary Leadership, the Clerk, staff and the Parliamentary Press Corps, wishing all Ghanaians a peaceful festive season.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga defended the use of the certificate of urgency in Parliamentary business, dismissing claims of abuse and insisting it remains a legitimate governance tool.
He emphasised that the mechanism does not undermine debate or Minority participation but enables Parliament to respond swiftly to pressing national matters.
Ayariga reiterated Parliament’s commitment to accountability and anti-corruption, stressing that holding public office holders responsible for their stewardship strengthens democracy, not intimidation.
He highlighted major milestones, including the passage of the 2026 Budget, key taxation and economic recovery bills, petroleum revenue management measures, education reforms, the Ghana Sports Fund Bill, and the legislation to legalise commercial motorcycle operations (Okada), pending full implementation procedures.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, in his remark, dismissed attempts to challenge his legitimacy at the ECOWAS Parliament, insisting he will serve his full mandate through April 2028.
He maintained that the ECOWAS Parliament had rejected moves to remove him and emphasised that his position as a Member and Third Deputy Speaker cannot be arbitrarily withdrawn.
Afenyo-Markin thanked Parliament for its support and pledged continued service to both Ghana’s Parliament and the regional legislature.
Parliament has now adjourned for the Christmas recess, with sittings expected to resume in the next session in late January.