The 1st Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Benard Ahiafor has told MPs that “recess is not a vacation; it is a return to the people we represent”, as he urged Members to use the period to reconnect with constituents, undertake field oversight, and deepen parliamentary diplomacy.
Lawyer Ahiafor delivering closing remark speech for the Speaker, S.K. Bagbin, called on MPs to embrace their responsibilities with renewed purpose and conviction, adding that “this Meeting has demonstrated what is possible when we work together – transcending partisan interests to serve the greater good. Let us carry forward the spirit of consensus-building, national unity, and public service that has defined this session”.
He pays-may they return reinvigorated, ready to confront new challenges and seize new opportunities for the benefit of all Ghanaians.
The adjournment brought to an end the Second Meeting of the First Session of the Ninth Parliament of the Fourth Republic, and “we are grateful to God for keeping us alive and shepherding us throughout this period. I wish to express my sincere appreciation to all Members for your dedication, patriotism, and unwavering commitment to the business of this House”.
Throughout this Meeting – held between May and August – Parliament convened a total of 43 Sittings. During this time, the House diligently exercised its legislative, oversight, and representative functions, transacting significant business and deliberating on matters of national interest.
Among the key highlights of this Meeting was the presentation of the Mid-Year Review of the Budget Statement and Economic Policy for the 2025 financial year by the Finance Minister, which outlined a five-point strategy aimed at curbing inflation and stabilizing the economy through prudent fiscal management, targeted agricultural investment, improved monetary coordination, and enhanced utility pricing mechanisms.
Another important aspect was presidential nominations and the House has successfully vetted and approved the nomination of seven (7) Justices to the Supreme Court and four (4) Deputy Ministers of State, fulfilling our constitutional mandate under Article 144 of the 1992 Constitution. “I commend the Appointments Committee for its professionalism and the House for its vigilance”.
On the issue of Questions and Ministerial Accountability, in all, four hundred and ninety-seven (497) Questions were admitted and processed. Out of these, two hundred and ninety-seven (297) were asked and answered. They comprise two hundred and forty-two (242) Oral Questions and fifty-five (55) Urgent Questions. This, the speaker said, “reflects our deep commitment to ensuring accountability, transparency, and responsiveness from the Executive. 4. Bills Presented During the Meeting: thirteen (13) Bills were presented, out of which eight (8) were passed, one (1) at the consideration stage, two (2) at the committee level, and two (2) rescinded.
