GhArticles.com Every News in Detail
Ghana’s 9th Parliament of the Fourth Republic was officially inaugurated on January 7, 2025, in a ceremony that marked the commencement of a new legislative session. The event, held at Parliament House in Accra, followed the dissolution of the 8th Parliament at midnight.
Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, re-elected as Speaker of Parliament, was sworn in by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. Bagbin, who previously served as Speaker of the 8th Parliament, was nominated by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and received broad support from Members of Parliament. His continued leadership underscores his pivotal role in Ghana’s democratic governance.
Following his induction, Bagbin presided over the oath-taking ceremony for 275 Members of Parliament-elect, excluding the representative from the Ablekuma North constituency. The ceremony, attended by dignitaries, family, and friends, signaled the start of a new era in Ghana’s legislative history, reflecting the outcomes of the 2024 general elections.
NDC Majority in Parliament
The NDC secured a significant majority in the 2024 elections, winning 183 of 276 parliamentary seats. The party retained its leadership team for the new Parliament:
Majority Leader: Cassiel Ato Forson (MP for Ajumako Enyan Essiam)
Deputy Majority Leader: Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP for Ellembelle)
Majority Chief Whip: Governs Kwame Agbodza (MP for Adaklu)
Deputy Majority Chief Whip: Ahmed Ibrahim (MP for Banda)
Despite the smooth swearing-in ceremony, the event was overshadowed by legal proceedings regarding the Akwatia parliamentary seat. A Koforidua High Court injunction barred Ernest Kumi, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, from being sworn in as MP-elect. The injunction arose from a petition filed by the NDC candidate, Henry Boakye Yiadom, citing irregularities in the December 2024 elections.
The NPP’s counsel, Gary Nimako Marfo, argued that the petition was filed beyond the permissible 21-day period following the gazetting of election results. However, the court upheld the injunction, preventing Kumi from participating in the swearing-in or the Speaker election.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin expressed Kumi’s willingness to join the proceedings despite the legal risks. However, Clerk of Parliament Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror emphasized compliance with the court’s order, affirming that any breach would be unlawful.
