Accra, Ghana
The First Meeting of the First Session of Ghana’s Ninth Parliament concluded on March 29th, 2025, after an intensive eleven weeks marked by significant legislative activity and some notable political shifts.
During the session, Members of Parliament tackled a substantial workload, holding 43 sittings and addressing a wide range of national issues. A key focus was on legislation, with 16 out of 18 presented Bills successfully passed.
These included significant pieces such as the repeal of the Electronic Transfer Levy and Emissions Levy, as well as amendments to acts concerning revenue administration, VAT, special import levies, growth and sustainability levies, energy sector levies, infrastructure investment, earmarked funds, public procurement, minerals income investment, petroleum revenue management, public financial management, and the Ghana Cocoa Board. The crucial Appropriation Bill for the year was also passed.
Beyond legislation, Parliament actively engaged in its oversight and representational roles. Members considered 72 Committee reports and debated and adopted them all. They also scrutinized the Auditor-General’s report on the Bank of Ghana’s foreign exchange transactions.
The session also saw significant ministerial appointments, with 56 nominees vetted and approved. However, this process was not without controversy, leading to the suspension of four MPs following disruptions during the public hearings. The suspended MPs were the Majority Chief Whip and MP for South Dayi, Mr Rockson-Nelson Etse Kwami Dafeamekpor, the Minority Chief Whip and MP for Nsawam-Adoagyri, Mr Frank Annoh Dompreh, the MP for Gushiegu, Mr Alhassan Tampuli Sulemana, and the MP for Weija-Gbawe, Mr Jerry Ahmed Shaib.
Other key highlights of the First Meeting included
the presentation of the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy by the Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, the adoption of 134 Motions on various aspects of government policy and parliamentary business, ministers answering 52 questions from Members on the floor, 94 Statements made by Ministers and MPs on matters of national and international importance, receipt of 14 Communications from the President and a total of 73 Committee meetings held to deliberate on critical issues.
Significant changes were conducted in the leadership of both the Majority and Minority caucuses, reflecting shifts within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) benches.
Despite being initially scheduled to end on Friday March 28, the session officially adjourned sine die on Saturday, 29th March , 2025. The second meeting is expected to commence on Monday the 12th of May, 2025, subject to amendment for Parliament to undertake its crucial constitutional duties.
Author: Eugenia Ewoenam Osei
