The 8th Parliament of Ghana’s Fourth Republic will officially be dissolved today, January 6, 2025, closing the chapter on a historic legislative term and setting the stage for the inauguration of the 9th Parliament at midnight.
This dissolution ceremony marks the conclusion of a four-year term that began on January 7, 2021. Presiding over this momentous occasion will be the Speaker of Parliament, the Right Honourable Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin. The final sitting is expected to be a solemn yet symbolic moment, as Members of Parliament wrap up outstanding business, deliver farewell remarks, and prepare to hand over the legislative mantle.
The 8th Parliament will be remembered as one of the most fiercely contested in Ghana’s political history. At its inception, both the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) held 137 seats each, creating a rare and delicate balance of power. This parity, compounded by the crucial role of an Independent Member of Parliament, set the stage for intense debates, intricate negotiations, and occasional legislative deadlocks. It was a term that tested the resilience of Ghana’s parliamentary democracy.
As the curtains fall on the 8th Parliament, attention now shifts to the 9th Parliament, which will be sworn in at the stroke of midnight. This transition will also see the election of a Speaker—either a continuation of the current leadership under Speaker Bagbin or a new face to steer the affairs of the House.
The 9th Parliament is poised to face a challenging national agenda. Key among its priorities will be addressing Ghana’s economic recovery in the wake of global and domestic challenges, strengthening healthcare systems, and resolving electoral disputes that have lingered following the December 2024 general elections.
For Ghanaians, the commencement of the 9th Parliament symbolizes hope for bipartisan cooperation to tackle the nation’s pressing issues. As the legislative baton passes, the nation waits with bated breath to see how the new Parliament will chart the path forward for Ghana’s democracy and development.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson
