A REVIEW OF THE BUSINESS OF THE THIRD MEETING OF THE FOURTH SESSION
Introduction
On Tuesday, 31st July, 2024, the Third Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Eighth Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana which commenced 11th June, 2024, was adjourned sine die. Parliamentary debates and discussions on a wide range of issues and policies were held during the Meeting to advance Ghana’s development and deal with urgent domestic concerns.
Bills Passed
The National Roads Authority Bill, 2024, which, among other things, establishes the National Roads Authority as a single organisation in charge of planning, development, maintenance, and administration of the national road network, was one of the major Bills passed during this Meeting. The purpose of the new Authority is to improve road management nationwide in terms of efficiency and oversight by merging three separate agencies: the Ghana Highway Authority Department of Feeder Roads and Department of Urban Roads into one entity. The objective is to enhance the overall efficacy of road management and guarantee the provision of superior service within the transportation industry.
During the Third Meeting, Parliament also passed the National Service Authority Bill, 2024.With the passage of this Bill, the National Service Authority is established as a corporate entity with the legal authority to create and carry out national service policies and programmes. The main goal of the Act is to enable the Authority to generate internal funds to supplement government efforts in creating employment opportunities for the youth. The Act will also empower the Authority to mobilise and post qualified individuals to undertake national service in areas of national priority for national development and encourage youth entrepreneurship through the national service programme.
Parliament also passed the Ghana Civil Aviation Bill, 2024, which is set to replace the existing Ghana Civil Aviation Act, 2004 (Act 678) as amended. This new legislation establishes the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) as an autonomous body responsible for aviation safety and security in the country. The Act empowers the GCAA to operate independently, with new governance measures that enhance transparency and accountability. The legislation introduces stricter safety and security regulations, such as prohibiting flights over sensitive areas like military zones and forbidding flying practices that could endanger lives. It also provides a legal framework for the GCAA to manage air navigation services in the Accra Flight Information Region until the establishment of the Ghana Air Navigation Services Agency. This new law aligns with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, promoting safety and efficiency in the aviation sector.
The Ghana Shippers’ Authority Bill, 2024, was also passed during the Third Meeting. The rationale for this legislation is to improve the regulation of commercial activities related to shipping in Ghana by amending the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 1974 (NRCD 254). The Act is to shield regional companies from the abusive tactics of global shipping corporations. To ensure fair pricing and transparency in the port charge determination process, the Act addresses the unfair and excessive charges imposed on traders using Ghana’s ports and borders. The new law will strengthen regulatory oversight, enable the GSA to adjust to new trends in the shipping and logistics industry and safeguard the interests of shippers and shipping service providers. Positioning Ghana as a preferred transit trade channel for landlocked neighbours like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, the Act aims to increase the sector’s contribution to national revenue.
The icing on the cake in legislation for the Third Meeting was the passage of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Bill, 2024, which marks a significant advancement in the country’s efforts to promote gender equity. The Act seeks to remedy the historical gender disparities in Ghana’s socio-cultural, political, economic, and educational domains. The government is required by this Act to guarantee “progressive equitable representation of women” in governance, public office, and decision-making positions. In keeping with the Sustainable Development Goal on gender parity, the Act sets specific targets for women’s participation: 30% from 2024 to 2026, 35% from 2027 to 2028, and 50% by 2030. Additionally, it aims to increase women’s involvement in both the public and private sectors of the economy. The Act forbids discrimination based on gender and mandates that constitutional bodies and security services provide equal opportunities for women.
After years of development, on 30th July, 2024, the Parliament of Ghana, presided by an elated Rt Hon Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, unanimously passed this Bill. The Rt Hon Speaker urged Members of Parliament to strive for a just society and underscored the need for true equity as well as their dedication to enforcing the new law. Advocates for gender equity celebrate the passage of this Bill, which marks a major turning point in Ghana’s legislative history.
Reconstitution of Parliamentary Committees
During this Meeting, Parliament reconstituted some of its Committees in accordance with the new Standing Orders by realigning their membership and mandates. In constituting the Committees, the House was guided by Article 103(4) of the 1992 Constitution which provides that every Member of Parliament shall be a member of at least one of the Standing Committees.
Mid-Year Budget Review
Further, the Minister for Finance, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, appeared before the House and delivered the 2024 Mid-Year Budget Review. The Minister said that the economy of Ghana has proven to be remarkably resilient, growing at a rate of 4.7% in the first quarter of 2024. In terms of fiscal performance, he indicated that the government will not be looking for additional funding because they are making significant efforts to be more effective, deliberate, and strategic to firmly establish fiscal consolidation and vigorously support growth. According to Dr Adam, the government is pursuing growth in the debt restructuring space within the framework of fiscal restraint and debt sustainability.
30th Anniversary Activities
The Third Meeting was not all about law making as Parliament hosted a soccer match dubbed “The Democracy Cup”, in commemoration of 30 years of uninterrupted parliamentary democracy in Ghana under the Fourth Republic. This event which will be marked annually, had its inaugural edition taking place at the Accra Sports Stadium and featured a titanic clash between Ghana’s two most successful clubs, Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak. The porcupine warriors emerged victorious, defeating Hearts of Oak 2-1 to clinch the maiden Democracy Cup. Kumasi Asante Kotoko S.C. will have the opportunity to represent Ghana in a friendly match against DC United, a professional soccer club based in Washington, USA. In the curtain-raiser, a classic squad of Members of Parliament (MPs) and Parliamentary Service staff stunned a group of former Black Stars players with a 3-1 victory.
Prior to this event, the Speaker led a team to hold a public forum in Techiman and a mock parliament in Sunyani. In Kumasi, the Speaker paid a courtesy call on his Royal Majesty Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II which was followed up with a public forum and a mock parliament at the Great Hall of KNUST.
Walk Out
During this Meeting, there was a tense moment where the Marshall walked out the Member of Parliament for Sefwi Wiawso, Dr Kwaku Afriyie, from the Chamber on the orders of the Rt Hon Speaker. Dr Afriyie was walked out for making comments deemed disrespectful, following the Rt Hon Speaker’s comment on the President’s communication on the nomination of two persons as Justices of the Supreme Court. The situation brought to the fore the importance of maintaining decorum and respect within Ghana’s Parliament.
Brief from EC Chairperson
As Ghana gears up for the 2024 general elections in December, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Mrs Jean Adukwei Mensa, was in Parliament to brief and assure the representatives of the people on the Commission’s preparedness to conduct free, fair, and transparent polls.
Public Hearing of Committees
The Appointments Committee, Public Accounts Committee and the Committee on Assurances held public hearings in the exercise of Parliament’s oversight responsibility.
Conclusion
Parliament has since proceeded on recess, and there is a sense of anticipation for the upcoming Fourth Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Eighth Parliament which promises to be a period of engaging debates, collaborative efforts and consensus building focused on the national interest.
Source: www.kumasimail.com/Media Relations Department, Parliament of Ghana
