By Freeman Dagadu, Project Officer, ACEPA
Introduction
The first session of Ghana’s 9th Parliament convened at a time of strained public trust and high expectations for parliamentary relevance. Economic recovery pressures, environmental concerns, and growing demands for accountability placed Parliament at the centre of Ghana’s democratic and development discourse. Beyond formalities and symbolism, first sessions are tone-setting, offering early signals of the legislature’s direction, priorities, and institutional posture. In this context, Parliament was expected not only to legislate but also to exercise rigorous oversight, ensuring that policy choices are informed, inclusive, and responsive to citizens’ needs.
For institutions like the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA), committed to parliamentary development and democratic governance, such reflections are essential. Reviewing the highs and lows of the first session is not about passing judgment, but about learning—identifying what worked, what fell short, and what must be prioritised to enhance parliamentary effectiveness. These moments are best understood not as isolated events, but as early indicators of the institution’s strengths and areas requiring attention as Parliament settles into its work.
Summary of Business for the Session
- Period of the Meeting
The first session of the Ninth Parliament ran from Tuesday, 7th January, 2025, to Friday, 19th December, 2025, comprising three meetings and 121 sittings. The first and second meetings each had 43 sittings, while the third meeting had 35 sittings.
- Composition and Recomposition of Committees
Upon inauguration, the House composed the Committee of Selection, which established the membership of the Appointment Committee, the Business Committee, and other Standing and Select Committees. The committees were later recomposed during the session to reflect changes in membership.
- Vetting of Nominations by the President
The House approved presidential nominations for key appointments, including the Chief Justice, 7 Supreme Court Justices, 27 Ministers of State, 17 Deputy Ministers, 16 Regional Ministers, and the Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund.
- Ceremonial and Statutory Business
The session included the inauguration of the President and Vice President, the presentation of the State of the Nation Address, and the delivery of Budget Statements for 2025 and 2026. The Mid-Year Review of the 2025 Budget was also presented.
- Diplomatic Engagements
The House received the Prime Minister of India, Mr. Shri Narendra Modi, on Thursday, 3rd July, 2025.
- Parliamentary Questions and Answers
A total of 395 questions were asked and answered during the session, including 314 oral questions, 80 urgent questions, and 1 written question.
- Bills Presented and Passed
Fifty-one (51) Bills were presented during the session, of which 39 were passed, 4 were withdrawn, and the remainder are at various stages of the legislative process. Notable Bills passed into law include the repeal of the Electronic Transfer Bill, 2025, Ghana Gold Board Bill, 2025, Social Protection Bill, 2025, COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy (Repeal) Bill, 2025, Value Added Tax Bill, 2025 among others.
- Instruments Presented
Sixteen (16) Instruments were laid before the House, 15 of which are in force in accordance with Article 11(7) of the Constitution.
- Business Statements
The House adopted 30 Business Statements corresponding to the 30 sitting weeks of the session.
- Statements
A total of 194 statements from Ministers and Members were considered. Some were referred to subject-matter committees or relevant Ministries for further action.
- Resolutions
The House considered and approved or ratified a range of resolutions, including memberships to the Pan-African and ECOWAS Parliaments, treaties, contracts, mining leases, timber utilisation contracts, a petroleum agreement, tax waivers, visa waiver agreements, and headquarters and host country agreements.
- Formula for the Disbursement of Statutory Funds
The session approved formulas for the disbursement of statutory funds, including the National Health Insurance Fund, the District Assemblies Common Fund, and the Ghana Education Trust Fund for 2025.
- Other Business
Other papers and reports, including tax waivers, Auditor-General reports, audit committee reports, annual and semi-annual reports, budget performance reports, work programmes, a gas agreement, and a review of the Ghana Petroleum Funds investment policy, were presented to the House and referred to committees for consideration.
High and Low Moments of the First Session
High Moments – These are achievements or positive signals that demonstrate the 9th Parliament’s commitment to its constitutional mandate:
Some of the significant high moments of the period include the inauguration of the 9th Parliament, which marked a smooth constitutional transition from the hung 8th Parliament to the 9th Parliament. In contrast to the chaotic scenes that characterised the inauguration of the 8th Parliament, the opening of the 9th Parliament was calm, orderly and peaceful. The 9th Parliament of the 4th Republic was formally inaugurated in the early hours of 7th January 2025, setting a more stable tone for the new parliamentary term. In a unanimous decision, Rt. Hon Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin was re-elected as the Speaker of the House and sworn in by the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. The Speaker then in turn swore-in the MPs-elect, formally inaugurating the 9th Parliament.
In subsequent proceedings, the House elected the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP for Akatsi South, Bernard Ahiafor, as the First Deputy Speaker. Andrew Asiamah Amoako, the independent MP for Fomena, was re-elected to serve as the Second Deputy Speaker. The 9th Parliament presented intriguing dynamics in political representation with the NDC forming the majority with 185 members while the NPP with 87 number formed the minority with 4 independent candidates who chose to caucus with the NDC. In terms of Gender representation, the males continued to dominate with 235 MPs while female MPs were only 41, one more than the number in the 8th Parliament. With 115 first-term MPs making up close to 42% of the House, Parliament witnessed a significant renewal of leadership, injecting fresh perspectives into legislative work.
Another high moment includes major legislative achievements such as the passage of the Social Protection Bill, 2025, providing legal backing for social intervention programmes targeting vulnerable populations, the amendment and repeal of key fiscal laws such as E-Levy and amendments to income tax, Value Added Tax (VAT) and growth levies.
Also, the approval of critical economic and debt relief measures reinforced Parliament’s role in safeguarding social welfare and stabilising the economy. On June 25, Parliament approved a $2.8 billion debt restructuring agreement with 25 creditor nations including China and France, a critical step in sustaining Ghana’s IMF-backed economic recovery.
Presentation of the 2025 and 2026 Budget Statements and Economic Policy
On 11th March, the Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, presented the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament in accordance with the Constitution. The presentation included statutory reports and major policy reforms such as tax rationalisation and economic restructuring. On 13th November, Parliament also received the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy, signaling continuity in planning and providing a roadmap for national economic priorities and fiscal management in the upcoming year.
A ten-member parliamentary delegation led by First Deputy Speaker Hon. Bernard Ahiafor attended a roundtable discussion on data-driven policymaking hosted by the British High Commission, with participation from the Vice President, the Government Statistician, and leading economists signaling efforts to promote data-driven and evidence informed decision making in the House. Related to this, the session also witnessed the launch of the “Building the Capacity of Parliamentarians for Economic and Financial Governance” project, supported by funding from the World Bank and FCDO.
The first session also witnessed high-profile institutional and diplomatic engagements—such as Speaker Alban Bagbin hosting the Israeli Ambassador, the address by the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, and Parliament’s participation in international parliamentary bodies. These events enhanced the institution’s global standing. Additionally, the Speaker’s clarification on the recitation of the National Pledge reaffirmed adherence to parliamentary rules and traditions, strengthening institutional discipline.
Reclamation of forest reserves and Fight against Galamsey. On March 19, as part of the fight against Illegal Minning also known as galamsey, the minister for Lands and Natural Resources Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah reported that the Lands Commission was able to reclaim total control of over seven out of the nine forest reserves that ‘galamseyers’ had taken over since 2022. This signaled the government’s efforts to fight the menace but on the contrary very little can be said of Parliament who holds the ultimate oversight responsibility.
Speaker Bagbin’s International Appointments. Rt. Hon. Alban S. K. Bagbin was appointed to the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s (IPU) Task Force on the peaceful resolution of the war in Ukraine and, earlier, was unanimously elected Chairperson of the IPU Africa Geopolitical Group during the 151st IPU Assembly in Geneva on 19th October 2025. These appointments recognize his integrity, impartiality, and ability to build trust among diverse parties, strengthening Ghana’s parliamentary diplomacy and reinforcing the country’s reputation as a respected legislative leader in Africa and globally.
Parliament marked the International Day of Parliamentarianism with the inauguration of the Open Parliament Steering Committee, launch of the Open Parliament Action Plan, and renewed commitment to gender inclusion. This also signaled Parliament’s commitment to working to deepen transparency, accountability, and citizen participation, while strengthening inclusive and responsive legislative governance.
Launch of the Maiden Practice and Procedure Week. As part of its commitment to deepening knowledge and understanding of parliamentary rules and procedures, Parliament, through its Legislative Management Services (LMS), launched and observed the maiden Practice and Procedure Week. Held under the theme “Strengthening Ghana’s Parliamentary Democracy: The Role of Practice and Procedure,” the week-long programme sought to enhance institutional efficiency, transparency, and accountability within the legislature.
International Women’s Day and Commemorative Celebrations. On 12th March, Parliament dedicated proceedings to women legislators in celebration of International Women’s Day, highlighting their achievements, challenges, and the critical importance of gender equality in governance. The observance underscored Parliament’s commitment to inclusive representation and the empowerment of women in leadership. Parliament also observed key commemorative events like the Breast Cancer awareness month among others.
Swearing-in of the Youngest Member of Parliament. Parliament welcomed its youngest member, Hon. Ewurabena Aubynn, following her historic swearing-in as the MP for Ablekuma North after months of dispute around the parliamentary election result for the constituency. In addition, newly elected members who replaced colleagues who passed on during the session were also sworn in, reinforcing the resilience of parliamentary representation and ensuring continuity in legislative work.
Tribute to Daddy Lumba. Parliament honoured the late highlife legend Daddy Lumba, recognising his contribution to Ghana’s cultural heritage and affirming its role in celebrating national icons.
Low Moments – These are areas that revealed challenges or opportunities for improvement:
During the 1st session of the 9th Parliament, significant disagreements between the Majority and Minority emerged over the vetting of ministerial appointees and subsequently the Chief Justice Nominee. Notable incidents included a chaotic ministerial vetting session that escalated into physical confrontation and property damage, as well as disruptions during the Chief Justice nominee’s vetting leading to a minority walkout expressing their displeasure of the removal of the former Chief Justice. These events highlighted deep political polarization, raised concerns about parliamentary decorum, and underscored the potential impact on public confidence in judicial appointments and the broader principle of separation of powers.
Minority Boycotts Orientation Programme For MPs In Ho. The Minority in Parliament boycotted a 3-day orientation programme organized for all members of the house by the Parliamentary Training Institute (PTI) at the Volta Serene Hotel, Ho. The boycott denied especially new MPs the opportunity to learn about the institution, including its practices, procedures, and the rules governing the House. It also curtailed collective capacity building and cross-party engagement, reinforcing perceptions of deepening polarization and raising concerns about Parliament’s commitment to institutional strengthening.
Quorum and Absenteeism: An Enduring Institutional Weakness
One of the notable low moments of the first session of the Ninth Parliament was the persistent absence of Members from the Chamber, resulting in repeated quorum challenges. Beyond being a procedural concern, this pattern of absenteeism exposed a deeper institutional weakness that undermined Parliament’s ability to effectively discharge its constitutional mandates of lawmaking, oversight and representation. The Chamber is where bills are scrutinised, ministers are questioned and national priorities are debated. When Members are absent without justification, constituencies are left under represented, oversight is weakened, and public trust is eroded.
This challenge is not new. Across successive Parliaments, concerns have been raised about MPs missing sittings without permission, often in violation of Article 97(1)(c) of the 1992 Constitution. Despite the existence of constitutional provisions and the oversight role of the Privileges Committee, enforcement has remained weak, allowing absenteeism to persist with few consequences. The result is a Parliament that too often struggles to meet even basic attendance thresholds, turning what should be routine parliamentary business into procedural crises.
These concerns were starkly illustrated during deliberations on the Energy Sector Levy, when Hon. Habib Iddrisu drew the Speaker’s attention to the fact that only 49 Members were present in the Chamber, well below the constitutional quorum required under Articles 102 and 104. While subsequent debates sought to distinguish between quorum for business and quorum for decision, the incident exposed a deeper problem: a lack of institutional discipline and commitment to presence.
This was particularly troubling given the Majority’s numerical strength, which should ordinarily guarantee attendance for critical national decisions. The Speaker later admitted that attendance reports for several sittings had been submitted to his office, but withholding their publication in the hope of improvement had not yielded results.
Taken together, these developments made quorum challenges one of the most significant low moments of the session, highlighting the urgent need for Parliament to treat attendance not as optional, but as central to its constitutional mandate and public credibility. A Parliament that struggles to assemble its members for business risks weakening legislative scrutiny, delaying decision-making, and eroding public confidence in the institution.
Minority Walkouts and Symbolic Protests. The first session was marked by several Minority walkouts and symbolic protests that disrupted parliamentary business. These included the Minority “washing its hands” over the approval of the Foreign Affairs Minister-designate, citing incomplete documentation during vetting; a walkout ahead of the mid-year budget review over alleged electoral violence in Ablekuma North; protests over bail conditions imposed on a party official by EOCO; and a symbolic hand-washing protest following the passage of the Energy Sector Levy Bill. While these actions reflected strong dissent and political grievances, their frequency underscored rising polarization and raised concerns about Parliament’s ability to manage disagreement without disrupting its core legislative and oversight functions.
Attack on NAIMOS Team. An attack on officials of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) was reported, allegedly incited by and involving a senior Member of Parliament. The Speaker directed the Clerk and Legal Services to support the police investigation under constitutional and parliamentary frameworks. Minority Leader Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin criticized the incident as evidence of the political class’s failure to decisively tackle illegal mining (galamsey), highlighting how political convenience has historically undermined efforts to address the issue. Such allegations compromise public trust, weaken accountability, and call into question Parliament’s ability to effectively monitor and enforce the law.
Contempt of Parliament. The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, filed a complaint against Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin for attending an ECOWAS Parliament session in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, despite being excluded from the official delegation. The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, referred the matter to the Privileges Committee for investigation, noting that the actions prima facie undermined the dignity and integrity of Parliament. This was an unprecedented event in the history of Ghana’s Parliament. The step by the Speaker underscores the institution’s commitment to upholding law, order, and discipline among members, regardless of position.
Sudden Passing of two MPs. The 9th Parliament mourned the unexpected deaths of two of its members. On July 7th, Hon. Ernest Yaw Kumi, MP for Akwatia, passed away suddenly, shocking colleagues as he had appeared healthy just days prior. The House observed a minute of silence in his honor, remembering him as young, vibrant, and dedicated, leaving behind a wife and children. Similarly, the MP for Tamale Central, Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed who also served as Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, tragically died in a helicopter crash on August 6, further underscoring the fragility of life and the loss of experienced leadership in Parliament.
Kpandai Parliamentary Election Rerun and Minority Disruptions. On November 25th, 2025, Parliament received a court order directing the Electoral Commission to conduct a rerun of the Kpandai parliamentary election following a petition challenging Hon. Matthew Nyindam’s declaration as MP-elect. The Minority caucus strongly opposed the declaration of the seat as vacant, disrupting proceedings by chanting, demanding the resignation of the Clerk, and refusing to allow business to continue until their concerns were addressed. The Speaker temporarily suspended the House, but upon resumption, the disruptions persisted.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga described the protest as a deliberate attempt to derail parliamentary work and affirmed that the Majority would remain focused on legislative business. The unrest coincided with the Minority’s protest against calls for a third-term bid for President John Dramani Mahama, highlighting deep political tensions within the House and the challenges of maintaining parliamentary decorum.
Conclusion
As the 9th Parliament transitions into its 2nd session, there is a clear opportunity to learn from the challenges of its early days and chart a more constructive and consensus-driven path forward. The low moments of the first session marked by polarization, procedural breakdowns, and strained decorum, should serve as lessons rather than defining features. Parliament must rise above partisanship, strengthen its oversight role, and uphold standards befitting the nation’s foremost democratic institution.
Looking ahead, it is imperative that the House places national interest above political divides and gives sustained attention to pressing issues such as illegal mining, which threatens livelihoods, the environment, and long-term development and ought to command near-daily parliamentary focus. It is our hope that the second session delivers a more organised, disciplined, and united Parliament, one that effectively fulfils its core mandates of representation, oversight and lawmaking and restores public confidence through principled and purposeful leadership.
