On January 7, 2025, Ghana marked a significant milestone in its democratic evolution with the inauguration of the Ninth Parliament of the Fourth Republic.
This event followed the December 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections, heralding the entry of a diverse assembly of lawmakers to steer the nation’s legislative affairs.
The 9th Parliament is characterised by a dynamic blend of new and experienced legislators. Among the 276 Members of Parliament (MPs), 115 are serving their first term, bringing a wealth of fresh ideas and energy to the legislative process.
These newcomers join 156 returning MPs and four former MPs making a comeback, forming a robust assembly tasked with tackling Ghana’s pressing challenges.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) emerged as the majority party in the Ninth Parliament, securing 183 seats. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) holds 88 seats, while independent candidates occupy four seats. This configuration positions the NDC to play a pivotal role in shaping legislative priorities and policies over the coming years.
Out of the 276 MPs, 40 are women, representing 14.5 percent of the House. The NDC accounts for 30 female MPs, while the NPP has 10. Although this marks progress in promoting gender inclusion, it also underscores the need for sustained efforts to achieve greater gender parity in Ghana’s political sphere.
The Ninth Parliament’s composition reflects Ghana’s regional diversity. The Ashanti Region leads with 22 new MPs, followed closely by the Greater Accra and Eastern Regions, each contributing 15 new legislators. Other regions, such as the Bono Region (7), Western Region (9), and Northern Region (8), also feature prominently in the new cohort.
The newly inaugurated Parliament faces the dual challenge of addressing longstanding national issues and responding to emerging socio-economic concerns. With a mix of fresh perspectives and seasoned expertise, the 9th Parliament is poised to tackle critical areas such as economic growth, education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.