Accra: The First Meeting of the First Session of the Ninth Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana commenced on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, and concluded on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Over a period of 11 weeks, the Parliament conducted 43 sittings, fulfilling its deliberative, representational, oversight, and legislative roles.
According to Ghana News Agency, a statement from David Sebastian Damoah, Director, MEdison Relations Department, Parliament of Ghana, indicated that the session was marked by extensive parliamentary activities. The session involved the presentation of business including papers, bills, regulations, constitutional and legislative instruments, as well as committee reports from various governmental bodies.
A total of 18 bills were introduced, out of which 16 were passed. These included significant legislations such as the Electronic Transfer Levy (Repeal) Bill, 2025, and the Revenue Administration (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The session also saw the introduction of one regulation, the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025.
Additionally, four annual reports were tabled for review, covering areas such as the Petroleum Funds and the African Union Import Levy. A significant number of committee reports, totaling 72, were also considered and adopted by the House. Furthermore, the session addressed one Auditor-General's report related to the Bank of Ghana's foreign exchange transactions.
During the session, President John Dramani Mahama presented the State of the Nation Address, and the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, delivered the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy. The House also handled 134 motions, 52 questions, and 94 statements from MPs and Ministers.
The session witnessed changes in parliamentary leadership, with new appointments made to both the Majority and Minority front benches. Additionally, several MPs, including the Majority Chief Whip, were suspended following disruptions during the vetting of ministerial nominees.
The Ninth Parliament's first session, which was originally scheduled to adjourn on March 28, 2025, was officially adjourned sine die by the Speaker on March 29, 2025, marking the close of an eventful parliamentary period.
