Ghana’s eight parliament under the Akuffo Addo- Bawumia administration will end after the swearing in of the president elect, John Dramani Mahama. On December 7, 2024 the electorates exercised their voting rights and chose the latter as president to lead the next administration of the ninth parliament. The new administration has already inaugurated their transitional team to see to the smooth transition of power. Under the eight parliament which was a hung one, Hon. Alban Bagbin was speaker of parliament after winning by 138 votes.

Showdown

The showdown of government affairs by the members of parliament in this administration was a matter of mayhem sometimes, while at other times matters run smoothly to the admiration of the public. Being the first time Ghana had the hung parliament made it difficult to run legislative duties smoothly. Also, having a member of the opposition party being  Speaker did not auger well for the ruling NPP.

Bills passed

However, a key number of bills were passed under this parliament, popular of which was the e-levy and the anti-witchcraft bill. Also, the affirmative action bill was passed which has successfully being signed by the president and has been passed into a law, one that is a win win for women participation in higher office.

Parliament reconvene

Today, parliament had a sitting to discuss business of the day. Although key members of the majority caucus have lost their seats in the landmark 2024 elections, they need to finish very important matters such as reading of the budget and the president’s state of the nation address before the swearing in of the next president which will usher in the ninth parliament.

EC duties

Currently, the Electoral Commission is yet to declare the winners of the parliamentary seats of some constituencies. This has to be done so that such areas will have a say in the affairs of government business at the ninth parliament. Issues need to be resolved quickly and amicably, as collation centers and EC officials have been urged to back up. Meanwhile, matters regarding this issue have been taken to the Tesano police station for a resolution.