Ghana’s 9th Parliament under the Fourth Republic was officially inaugurated on January 7, 2025, marking the start of a new legislative chapter.
The event took place at Parliament House in Accra, following the dissolution of the 8th Parliament at midnight.
Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin was re-elected as Speaker of Parliament, continuing his leadership with the strong backing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Sworn in by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, Bagbin secured overwhelming support, ensuring his leadership remains intact for the next legislative session.
During the ceremony, Bagbin administered the oath of office to 275 Members of Parliament-elect. However, the swearing-in was not without controversy, as the Ablekuma North seat remained vacant due to a court injunction.
The legal drama surrounds the Akwatia seat, where a court order blocked the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, Ernest Kumi, from taking the oath of office. The injunction cited election irregularities during the December 2024 polls. As of now, the injunction remains in place, with further hearings scheduled to resolve the matter.
Despite the legal dispute, the NDC’s dominance in the 2024 elections was clear, with the party securing 183 out of 276 parliamentary seats, granting them a commanding majority in the new Parliament. In the wake of their success, the NDC also announced its leadership team, which includes:
- Majority Leader: Cassiel Ato Forson
- Deputy Majority Leader: Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah
- Majority Chief Whip: Governs Kwame Agbodza
- Deputy Majority Chief Whip: Ahmed Ibrahim
This new era in Ghana’s Parliament sets the stage for key legislative decisions, though it is marked by both political triumph and ongoing legal battles. The situation surrounding the Akwatia seat serves as a reminder of the complexities within Ghana’s electoral and parliamentary processes as the 9th Parliament begins its work.
