Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has commended Members of Parliament for their dedication and patriotism, describing the just-ended meeting as productive despite what he termed turbulent and tumultuous times.
He expressed gratitude to God, the Speaker, and the parliamentary leadership for steering the House through a demanding legislative period.
Delivering his closing remarks on Friday as Parliament adjourned sine die, the Majority leader praised the leadership of the Speaker, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, for ensuring the smooth conduct of parliamentary business, while also acknowledging the contributions of MPs across both Majority and Minority sides.
According to him, the collective efforts of lawmakers helped advance the government’s reset agenda under President John Dramani Mahama.
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The Majority Leader outlined the scope of parliamentary work undertaken during the First Meeting of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament, which lasted eight weeks from February 3 to March 27, 2026.
He disclosed that the House held 33 sittings and considered extensive legislative and oversight business, with 16 bills presented and 10 passed into law.
Key legislation passed included the 24-Hour Economy Authority Act, the Legal Education Reform Act, and the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority Act, while others—such as the Ghana Cocoa Board Amendment Bill and the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill—remain under consideration.
Parliament also approved several financial disbursement formulas for 2026, including allocations to the National Health Insurance Fund, the Ghana Education Trust Fund, and the District Assemblies Common Fund.
Additionally, 59 statements were made on government policies, and 147 parliamentary questions—many of them urgent—were addressed by sector ministers.
Mr. Ayariga noted that the session took place against the backdrop of ongoing economic recovery efforts and heightened public expectations.
He highlighted government initiatives aimed at stabilising the economy and promoting inclusive growth, particularly the 24-hour economy policy, which he described as a major intervention to address unemployment.
“This is one of the most laudable initiatives since independence, aimed at tackling unemployment head-on,” he stated.
However, he acknowledged the economic challenges facing many Ghanaians and stressed the need for policies to deliver tangible improvements in livelihoods.
Mahama Ayariga also dedicated part of his address to the late Member of Parliament for Ayawaso East, Mahama Naser Toure, whose passing on January 4, 2026, he described as a significant loss to Parliament and the nation.
He praised the late MP’s contributions, particularly his work on key parliamentary committees, and extended condolences to his family, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and the wider public.
The Majority Leader urged MPs to uphold discipline, expressing concern over absenteeism and lateness, which he said affected parliamentary efficiency.
He called for greater cooperation across party lines, emphasising that national interest must take precedence over partisan considerations.
“The strength of our democracy lies not only in the laws we pass, but in the spirit of cooperation, tolerance, and respect,” he said.
In his address, Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin described the session as a marathon of activity, citing significant legislative and oversight achievements.
He revealed that eight bills were presented, with six passed into law, and noted that 147 questions were addressed while 59 statements were referred to committees for further scrutiny.
The Speaker also highlighted the approval of key financial allocations for 2026 and urged MPs to use the Easter break to reconnect with their constituents.
Invoking the spirit of Easter, he called for renewed commitment among lawmakers to national service and responsible conduct.
The Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, in his closing reflections, extended Easter goodwill to Ghanaians and reaffirmed the Minority’s commitment to accountability and oversight.
He commended parliamentary staff, the Clerk, media, and security personnel for their support, describing them as the backbone of the institution.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin also praised members of the Minority Caucus for their resilience and contributions, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their duties.
Addressing national concerns, he assured citizens—including farmers, victims of road accidents, and families seeking justice—that the Minority would continue to advocate on their behalf.
“The Minority’s oversight is not a partisan exercise; it is an act of care for the republic,” he stated.
He called for the reconsideration of outstanding motions, including appeals related to mass dismissals in the public sector, insisting that affected individuals deserve fair treatment.
Both the majority and Minority leaders called for reflection, unity, and renewed commitment to national development.
Members are expected to reconvene at a later date to be communicated.