Ghana’s ‘historic’ 8th Parliament dissolves today; 9th Parliament next

Ghana’s 8th Parliament is set to be officially dissolved today, 6th January 2025, paving the way for the inauguration of the 9th Parliament of the Fourth Republic.

The House will hold a final session, presided over by the Speaker, to conclude all outstanding business, after which a dissolution ceremony will be held.

The 8th Parliament was a major test of the resilience of the country’s democracy, with the two traditional major political parties—the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC)—having an equal number of members in the House, 137-137, along with one independent candidate.

The historic hung Parliament did not disappoint, as it began with dramatic scenes on 6th January 2021 during the election of Alban Bagbin as Speaker of the House, with its mandate commencing on 7th January.

The House subsequently selected Joseph Osei-Owusu as First Deputy Speaker and Andrew Asiamah Amoako as Second Deputy Speaker.

The NPP formed the majority in the House after the independent MP for Fomena, Andrew Asiamah Amoako, chose to do business with the party, making the NDC caucus the minority.

The 9th Parliament will be inaugurated following the election of the Speaker and the swearing-in of the Speaker-elect and Members-elect, scheduled for 11:00 pm and midnight today, 6th January, respectively.

Meanwhile, President-elect John Dramani Mahama has directed the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary leadership to nominate the Right Honourable Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin as Speaker for the incoming Parliament.

In a statement dated Sunday, 5th January, the President-elect underscored Bagbin’s remarkable public service career, which includes serving as the Member of Parliament for Nadowli, Minority Leader, Majority Leader, and Speaker of the 8th Parliament.

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