After a brief hiatus, the Ghanaian Parliament reconvenes today, Monday, December 16, 2024, at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC).
This marks the first sitting of the House since the December 7 general elections, which saw the National Democratic Congress (NDC) almost securing a two-thirds majority in Parliament.
The NDC’s sweeping electoral victory was a significant blow to the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), with several prominent Members of Parliament, including Ursula Owusu-Ekulful, Hawa Koomson, and Henry Quartey, losing their seats.
The party’s defeat was further compounded by the loss of the presidency, as John Dramani Mahama defeated the NPP’s Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
In the lead-up to the elections, the Majority Caucus, led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, had repeatedly urged Speaker Alban Bagbin to recall Parliament to address urgent legislative matters.
However, the Speaker declined these requests, citing the need to resume parliamentary activities only after the elections.
*A Brief History of the Adjournment*
The decision to adjourn Parliament was not taken lightly.
Speaker Alban Bagbin had faced intense pressure from the Majority Caucus to reconvene the House, but he remained resolute in his commitment to allow the electoral process to unfold without interference.
In the days leading up to the elections, the Speaker’s Office had maintained that parliamentary activities would resume only after the elections, citing the need to ensure a peaceful and transparent electoral process.
The decision was seen as a prudent move, given the tense political climate at the time.
What to Expect from Today’s Sitting
As Parliament reconvenes today, all eyes will be on the Speaker and the newly elected Members of Parliament.
The House is expecting to pass some bills including Free SHS among others.
BY Daniel Bampoe