Accra: Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has urged Members of Parliament (MPs) to use the period of recess to reconnect with their constituents, undertake field oversight, and deepen parliamentary democracy. He acknowledged the efforts, contributions, and commitment of the MPs towards parliamentary business throughout the 43 parliamentary sittings over the 10-week period.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Speaker gave the advice in a speech read on his behalf by Mr. Benard Ahiafor, the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, during the closing ceremony of the Second Meeting of the First Session of the Ninth Parliament on Friday, in Accra. He expressed his sincere appreciation to the honorable members for their unwavering commitment to the business of the House.
Over the course of the meeting held between May and August, Parliament convened a total of 43 sittings. During this time, the House diligently exercised its legislative oversight and representative functions, consulting significant businesses and deliberating on matters of national interest. Among the key highlights of the meeting were major constitutional business, presentation of mid-year budget review, 73 statements, vetting of four deputy ministerial nominees, and seven supreme court nominees.
In total, 13 bills were presented, with eight being passed, one at the consideration stage, two at the committee level, and two rescinded. The bills that were passed included the Energy Sector Levy Amendment Bill 2025, Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill 2025, the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Amendment Bill 2025, Social Protection Bill 2025, and the University for Development Studies Bill 2025.
During the session, 497 questions were admitted and processed, out of which 297 were asked and answered. They comprised 242 questions and 55 agenda questions, reflecting the MPs' commitment to ensuring accountability, transparency, and responsiveness from the executive arm of government.
Parliament also mourned the loss of Ernest Yaw Kumi, the Member of Parliament for Akwatia, who passed away on Monday, July 7, 2025, due to heart failure. Speaker Bagbin commended the leadership of both sides of the House and emphasized the importance of consensus building and deliberations. He also praised his two deputy Speakers for their leadership during his absence, along with the Clerks, the Parliamentary Press Corps, and the entire staff of the Parliamentary Service. The House was adjourned sine die, meaning indefinitely.
