10 experienced MPs Ghanaians will miss in the 9th Parliament

As Ghana prepares to usher in the 9th Parliament of the Fourth Republic, the legislative arm of government will witness the absence of some seasoned and influential Members of Parliament. These lawmakers, known for their unique mix of experience and a touch of humour, have shaped parliamentary proceedings with their dedication, leadership, and expertise, leaving lasting impressions through their contributions to debates, policymaking, and legislative reforms.

With the 8th Parliament set to be officially dissolved today, 6th January 2025, we take a keen look at the distinguished MPs whose absence will be deeply felt as the next Parliament commences another chapter in Ghana’s democracy.

In this article, we highlight ten distinguished MPs whose absence will be deeply felt as the new Parliament begins its journey.

1. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu (1997)

As one of the longest-serving Members of Parliament, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu voluntarily bowed out of Parliament with his head held high after more than two decades of service. He joined the 2nd Parliament in 1997, representing the Suame Constituency on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He has since served in the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th Parliaments. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu served as leader of the NPP majority caucus until his resignation on 21st February 2024. In the 8th Parliament, he served as chairperson of the Special Budget, House, and Business Committees, as well as a member of the Standing Orders, Finance, Local Government and Rural Development, and the Committee of Selection Committees.

2. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong (2001)

Known for his bluntness, the MP for Assin Central Constituency, Central Region, is definitely one of the lawmakers whose presence will be missed in the House. Kennedy Agyapong joined the 3rd Parliament on the ticket of the NPP and proceeded to be retained in the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th Parliaments.
He was the chairperson of the Defence and Interior Committee and a member of the Judiciary Committee during his service in the outgoing 8th Parliament.

3. Kobina Tahir (KT) Hammond (2001)

Famous for his interesting submissions with a touch of humour, the MP for Adansi Asokwa Constituency, Ashanti Region, will make the top of everyone’s list of MPs to miss. He bows out of Parliament after losing his seat in the 2024 general elections. He joined the 3rd Parliament on the ticket of the NPP and was maintained in the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th Parliaments. In the 8th Parliament, he was a member of the Finance, Mines and Energy, and the Local Government and Rural Development Committees.

4. Joe Ghartey (2005)

The Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan Constituency, Western Region, also leaves with vast two decades of parliamentary experience, having joined the 4th Parliament on the ticket of the NPP. He proceeded to serve in the 6th, 7th, and 8th Parliaments. In the 8th Parliament, he was a member of the Standing Orders and Trade, Industry and Tourism Committees.

5. James Klutse Avedzi (2005)

The MP for Ketu North Constituency, Volta Region, joined the 4th Parliament on the ticket of the NDC and proceeded to retain his seat in the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th Parliaments. In the 8th Parliament, he served as chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and a member of the Trade, Industry and Tourism Committee.

  6. Benito Owusu-Bio (2005)

He joined the 4th Parliament on the ticket of the NPP, representing the constituents of Atwima Nwabiagya North Constituency, Ashanti Region. He was retained in the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th Parliaments. In the 8th Parliament, he was a member of the Public Accounts, Poverty Reduction Strategy, Roads and Transport, and Lands and Forestry Committees.

7. Samuel Atta Kyea (2009)

Known for his astute knowledge of the law, the Abuakwa South MP’s absence would be felt in the incoming Parliament. He joined the 5th session in 2009 on the ticket of the NPP and proceeded to be a member of the 6th, 7th, and 8th sessions. In the 8th Parliament, he served as chairperson of the Mines and Energy Committee, as well as a member of the Subsidiary Legislation and the Special Budget Committees.

8. Joseph Osei-Owusu (2009)

Known popularly as Joe Wise, the lawmaker represented the constituents of Bekwai in the Ashanti Region. He entered the 5th Parliament as an independent MP in 2009 and subsequently joined the NPP, where he retained his seat to serve in the 6th, 7th, and 8th Parliaments. In the 8th Parliament, he was the First Deputy Speaker, as well as chairperson of the Privileges and Appointments Committees. He was also the ranking member on the Special Budget Committee and a member of the Standing Orders and Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committees.

9. Kwasi Amoako-Attah (2009)

The MP for Atiwa West Constituency, Eastern Region, joined the 5th session of the House on the ticket of the NPP and was retained in the 6th, 7th, and 8th Parliaments. In the 8th Parliament, he was a member of the Subsidiary Legislation, Public Accounts, Local Government and Rural Development, and the Environment, Science, and Technology Committees.

10. Alhassan Bashir Alhassan (ABA) Fuseini (2013)

Crowned as the undisputed ‘King of Proverbs’, the MP for Sagnarigu Constituency, Northern Region, bows out of Parliament after losing his bid in the parliamentary primaries of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He served as an MP in the 6th, 7th, and 8th Parliaments. In the 8th Parliament, he was the ranking member on the Communications Committee and also served as a member of the House and Privileges Committees.

The departure of these influential lawmakers marks the end of an era, but their legacies will continue to inspire future leaders.

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