The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, last Friday officially brought proceedings of the First Meeting of the Second Session of Ghana’s Ninth Parliament to a close, commending Members for what he described as a productive and impactful legislative period.
Speaker Bagbin described the session as a marathon of activity, noting that Parliament undertook significant work aimed at advancing national development.
Delivering his closing remarks on Friday, March 27, 2026, he revealed that a total of eight Bills were presented during the session, with six successfully passed into law, covering key sectors such as governance, economic management, education, and national security.
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The Speaker stressed Parliament’s oversight role, indicating that 147 questions—both oral and urgent—were addressed, while 59 statements on matters of public interest were considered and referred to committees for further scrutiny.
According to him, the House also approved critical financial disbursement formulas for 2026, including those related to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, National Health Insurance Fund, Ghana Education Trust Fund, and the District Assemblies Common Fund.
Additionally, Parliament ratified several agreements spanning gas, mining, and other contractual arrangements in the national interest.
Speaker Bagbin underscored efforts to strengthen public engagement, citing initiatives such as the Speaker’s Breakfast Forum, which seeks to promote parliamentary decentralisation and bring governance closer to citizens.
However, he issued a strong caution to Members over persistent absenteeism and lateness, describing them as “abhorrent endemic habits” that undermine parliamentary efficiency and delay proceedings.
“I have lamented time without number about absenteeism and lateness. I urge all Honourable Members to prioritise attendance and uphold the dignity of this House,” he stressed.
The Speaker also pointed to key pending legislation, including the Parliamentary Transition Bill, Parliament Bill, and Parliamentary Service Bill, urging committees to expedite their work to facilitate timely passage.
He announced ongoing efforts to introduce an electronic voting system in Parliament, aimed at improving transparency and efficiency in legislative processes.
Speaker Bagbin expressed gratitude to Members of Parliament across the Majority, Minority, and Independent benches for their dedication, as well as to the Parliamentary Service, media, and security and medical units for their support.
He encouraged MPs to use the Easter break to reconnect with their constituents, engage with their concerns, and strengthen democratic representation.
Invoking the Easter season, he called for a renewed sense of responsibility among lawmakers, urging them to abandon negative practices and recommit to national service.
Parliament has since been adjourned to a date to be announced.