Parliament has adjourned sine die following the conclusion of its Second Meeting of the First Session of the Ninth Parliament of the Fourth Republic.
Throughout 43 sittings, Parliament passed eight out of thirteen bills presented. These included significant pieces of legislation such as the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Bill, the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days (Amendment) Bill, the Social Protection Bill, and the Road Maintenance Transparency Bill.
The House also approved the vetting and appointments of seven Supreme Court Justices and four Deputy Ministers of State.
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Presenting the closing remarks on behalf of Speaker Alban S.K. Bagbin, Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor described the meeting as generally successful, highlighting the House’s legislative achievements, oversight functions, and moments of national significance.
He reported that a total of 497 parliamentary questions were processed, with 297 answered, and 73 statements delivered on various national issues, some of which were referred to committees for in-depth examination.
Parliament also adopted ten business statements, reviewed five financial agreements, approved 131 timber utilization contracts, and considered multiple mining leases and treaties. “This reflects our deep commitment to ensuring accountability, transparency, and responsiveness from the Executive,” he emphasized.
Despite the legislative accomplishments, Mr. Ahiafor noted that the session was marred by the tragic passing of Hon. Ernest Yaw Kumi, MP for Akwatia, who died of heart failure on July 7 at age 40.
“His demise is a painful reminder of the demanding nature of our work,” Mr. Ahiafor said, calling for renewed discussions on improved healthcare support systems for legislators.
He also condemned the violence during the Ablekuma North by-election, referencing the altercation involving former MP Hawa Koomson. “We condemn all forms of political violence and reaffirm Parliament’s dedication to safeguarding electoral integrity,” he stressed.
He urged MPs to use the recess to reconnect with their constituents and intensify their oversight efforts.
The Majority Leader, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, commended Members for their dedication to legislative work and applauded their arduous service, which included 43 plenary sittings, some of which were held late into the night and even on Saturdays.
The Hon. Ayariga clarified that while Parliament is in recess, MPs remain actively engaged in their duties, especially through committee work, stakeholder engagement, and constituency outreach.
“Recess provides us the opportunity to visit and interact with our constituents… It also gives us ample time to spend with our families and loved ones, something we barely get to do due to the demands of the job,” he said.
The Majority Leader also lauded the Mid-Year Budget Review presented by Finance Minister Dr. Ato Forson, describing it as well-received. He cited improvements in key economic indicators: inflation dropped from 23.8% to 13.7%; the cedi appreciated by 42.6%; foreign reserves rose to $11.1 billion; and GDP growth exceeded projections at 5.3%.
These, he said, are signs of a promising future and a better Ghana under the distinguished leadership of H.E. John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Meanwhile, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin condemned what he described as government inaction on critical national issues and called for a return to constitutional balance and mutual respect. He reminded the House that true democracy thrives not on the dominance of the majority, but on the backbone of the minority.
He aimed at the Majority Caucus, accusing it of using its numerical strength not to enrich debate, but to bulldoze its will through Parliament via excessive reliance on certificates of urgency.
“Yes, numbers matter, but principles matter more. Parliament is a moral contract… power must be exercised with restraint,” he asserted.
The Minority Leader also paid tribute to the late MP for Akwatia, Ernest Kumi, calling him a vibrant, promising legislator and describing his death as a national tragedy.
He reaffirmed the minority’s commitment to oversight and accountability, stating: “We demonstrated with clarity that power is not a license for impunity… Parliament must not be reduced to a rubber stamp.”