The 9th Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana has officially been inaugurated, marking the start of a new legislative session.
The historic ceremony took place in the early hours of Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at Parliament House in Accra, following the dissolution of the 8th Parliament at midnight.
Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the re-elected Speaker of Parliament, was sworn in by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. Bagbin, who previously served as Speaker of the 8th Parliament, was re-nominated by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and received strong support from Members of Parliament.
His re-election represents a significant moment in the country’s democratic journey, with Bagbin bringing his extensive experience to continue leading the House. Following his swearing-in, Bagbin presided over the oath-taking ceremony for the 275 Members of Parliament-elect, with the notable exception of the representative from Ablekuma North constituency.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by family, friends, and dignitaries, symbolising the beginning of a new legislative era in Ghana. This moment marked a key transition following the 2024 general elections, which saw the NDC secure a majority in Parliament, winning 183 seats out of 276.
The NDC’s leadership team for the 9th Parliament includes:
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)
However, the ceremony was overshadowed by a legal challenge concerning the Akwatia parliamentary seat. The Koforidua High Court upheld an injunction preventing Ernest Kumi, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, from being sworn in as the Member of Parliament-elect for Akwatia.
The injunction followed a petition filed by the NDC’s candidate, Henry Boakye Yiadom, who raised concerns over irregularities in the December 7, 2024, elections. While NPP counsel Gary Nimako Marfo argued that the injunction was improperly filed, the court’s decision remains in effect, halting Kumi’s swearing-in until further hearings.
Despite the legal challenges, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin stated that Kumi was willing to participate in the proceedings, even if it meant facing legal consequences. However, Clerk of Parliament Ebenezer Ahumah Djietro stressed that allowing Kumi to take part in the swearing-in would violate the court’s order.
Source:TheDotNews