Alban S.K. Bagbin
Speaker of Parliament, Alban S.K. Bagbin, has called for the prioritisation of essential bills for the limited period of the House before the term ends.
According to him, there is the need for realism in the face of a packed schedule, suggesting the prioritisation of bills such as Expenditure in Advance of Appropriation Bill, 2024; Environmental Protection Bill, 2024; Boundary Commission Bill, 2024; and Social Protection Bill, 2023.
Addressing the House at the opening of the 7th Meeting, Speaker Bagbin also mentioned the Parliamentary Transition Bill, 2023; Parliamentary Service Bill, 2024; and other key Public Accounts Committee Reports.
He pointed out the importance of enacting laws for smooth parliamentary transitions, likening it to the Presidential Transition Act, which has served the executive branch effectively.
Mr. Bagbin acknowledged the unprecedented nature of the country’s current hung Parliament, which he said had posed unique challenges.
Despite the obstacles, he praised Members of Parliament (MPs) for their dedication and the citizens for their patience and tolerance.
As the eighth Parliament prepares to conclude, he urged members to remain focused on their “sacred mandate to serve the people of Ghana” and to preserve the gains of democracy. “Let us end this Parliament on a good note,” he said, calling for collaboration to ensure governance institutions remain strong.
Majority
The Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, cautioned the Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) that political fortunes can shift unexpectedly, even for those enjoying an overwhelming majority.
Reflecting on past parliamentary dynamics, Mr. Afenyo-Markin took the assembly through the country’s political history.
The Majority Leader noted the transformation of political fortunes, including the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) evolution from a “micro minority” in 1997 to a majority in subsequent elections, is a testament to hard work and resilience.
He also acknowledged the cyclical nature of political majorities in Ghana, citing the NPP’s historic 169-seat majority in 2016, which later dwindled to 137 seats.
He expressed optimism about future elections, confidently predicting a return to majority status for the NPP by 2028.
He commended the constitutional tradition that grants Ghanaians the right to elect their leaders every four years, emphasising the peaceful nature of the elections.
“The people of Ghana exercised their mandate peacefully, without fear,” he said.
He extended congratulations to the NDC for their victory and applauded President-elect John Dramani Mahama on his re-election.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin also praised Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s unprecedented decision to concede and congratulate the President-elect before the Electoral Commission officially declared the results.
“Such a move by him was very historic and commendable,” he remarked, noting that this gesture affirmed Ghana’s democratic resilience.
Minority
The Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, described the December elections as a revolution against the “poor governance” of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
For him, the final outcome is a direct response to a government that often dismissed opposing views as “detractors, cynics, naysayers, Sanballat, and Tobias.”
“Mr. Speaker, what happened at the polls on December 7 was a revolution, the people’s revolution! It was a revolt against a government that was obstinate, insensitive, high-handed and dismissive of public opinion,” he stressed.
“Ghanaians have clearly shown that they cannot be taken for granted and that when it matters the most, they will either reward those in government or punish them for their sins,” he added.
By Ernest Kofi Adu, Parliament House