Parliament adjourned sine die on Friday, bringing the Second Meeting of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament to a close, with Deputy Majority Leader George Kweku Ricketts-Hagan calling on lawmakers to put national interest above partisan politics.
Delivering the Majority’s closing address on behalf of Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, Mr Ricketts-Hagan said Parliament must remain focused on improving the lives of Ghanaians and advancing the country’s development.
He urged MPs from both sides of the House to rise above political divisions and demonstrate leadership through meaningful service to the Ghanaian people.
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“We must continue to demonstrate that leadership is not measured by political victories alone, but by the positive difference we make in the lives of our fellow citizens,” he said.
National interest vs partisan interests
The Deputy Majority Leader acknowledged the vigorous debates that characterised the parliamentary meeting but said political differences should never undermine the collective responsibility of lawmakers.
“Partisan interests must never eclipse the national interest,” Mr Ricketts-Hagan declared.
He commended MPs across the political divide for their dedication and patriotism, stressing that disagreements are a natural part of democratic governance.
According to him, Parliament is not expected to be an institution where everyone holds the same opinions. Rather, he said, it should provide a platform where competing ideas are debated, policies are scrutinised, and consensus is built through respectful engagement.
According to him, the ability of Parliament to reconcile opposing views in the interest of Ghana remains one of the key strengths of the country’s democracy.
Beyond his call for unity, Mr Ricketts-Hagan defended the government’s economic performance, arguing that recent improvements in key economic indicators are the result of disciplined policies and sacrifices by Ghanaians.
Ghana’s economic progress, he said, is not accidental but has been driven by prudent leadership, responsible governance and sound public policy.
“Sustainable macroeconomic transformation is never achieved through shortcuts and haircuts but through prudent leadership, responsible governance and sound public policy,” he stated.
Mr Ricketts-Hagan highlighted the decline in inflation from 22.85% in 2024 to 5.3% in 2026, as well as progress in fiscal consolidation.
He also pointed to Ghana’s successful completion of its Extended Credit Facility programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the country’s ability to meet its international financial commitments.
According to him, these developments have strengthened Ghana’s economic outlook and made the country more attractive to international investors.
The Deputy Majority Leader insisted that the government’s economic record should be assessed based on measurable results rather than partisan political arguments.
Parliament passes key bills
The parliamentary meeting also recorded significant legislative activity, with the House passing eight key bills.
Among the major pieces of legislation passed was the Community Service Bill, 2026, which introduces community service as an alternative to custodial sentences in certain circumstances.
Parliament also passed the Maritime and Related Offences Bill, aimed at strengthening Ghana’s maritime security framework, and the National Defence University Ghana Bill, 2026, which seeks to enhance national security and defence education.
Other legislation passed included the Customs Bill, 2026, the Income Tax Amendment Bill, 2026, and the Value Added Tax Amendment Bill, which seeks to simplify VAT administration and improve tax compliance.
The House also considered the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review presented by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, who maintained that Ghana’s economic recovery was real and that the country would not return to the economic difficulties that previously forced it to seek international support.
As Parliament adjourned sine die, the Deputy Majority Leader reminded lawmakers that their responsibility to Ghana extends beyond the walls of Parliament.
“Our constituents expect us to return not merely as politicians but as servants of the people. They expect us to listen, lead and solve problems and inspire hope,” he said.
He urged Ghanaians to remain committed to democratic governance, describing Parliament as the foremost institution through which the sovereign will of the people is expressed.