The 9th Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana has officially been inaugurated, marking the commencement of a new legislative session.
The historic event 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 newly re-elected Speaker of Parliament, was sworn in by the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo. Bagbin, who previously served as the Speaker of the 8th Parliament, was re-nominated by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and received overwhelming support from Members of Parliament.
His re-election represents a pivotal moment for the country’s democratic journey, as he continues to lead with his extensive experience in the role. Following his swearing-in, Bagbin officially presided over the oath-taking ceremony for the 275 Members of Parliament-elect, excluding the representative from the Ablekuma North constituency.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by family members, friends, and dignitaries, and marked the beginning of a new legislative era. It was a highly symbolic moment for Ghana’s Parliament, as it represents the new political landscape following the 2024 general elections.
With the NDC securing a majority in the 2024 parliamentary elections, winning 183 seats out of 276, the party retained its leadership team for the new Parliament. The NDC’s leadership team 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)
Despite the smooth proceedings of the swearing-in ceremony, the event was marred by a legal challenge surrounding the Akwatia parliamentary seat. The Koforidua High Court upheld an injunction that prevented Ernest Kumi, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate for Akwatia, from holding himself out as the Member of Parliament-elect. The injunction also barred the Clerk of Parliament from swearing him in.
This legal challenge arose after the NDC’s candidate, Henry Boakye Yiadom, filed a petition against the Electoral Commission, Ernest Kumi, and the Clerk of Parliament, citing irregularities in the December 7, 2024, elections. The court granted the injunction on January 2, 2025, which halted Kumi’s swearing-in.
NPP counsel, Gary Nimako Marfo, contended that the injunction was improperly filed and urged the court to dismiss the petition, arguing that election results can only be challenged within 21 days after they have been gazetted. Despite the NPP’s arguments, the injunction remains in place pending further hearings.
In the aftermath of the legal ruling, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin expressed that Ernest Kumi was willing to participate in the swearing-in process and the subsequent election of the Speaker, even if it meant facing legal consequences.
However, Clerk Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror emphasized that allowing Kumi to participate in the swearing-in ceremony would be a violation of the court’s order.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
