9th Parliament of Ghana Inaugurated with Alban Bagbin as Speaker

The 9th Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana has officially been inaugurated, heralding the start of a new legislative session.

The inauguration took place in the early hours of Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at Parliament House in Accra, following the formal dissolution of the 8th Parliament at midnight.

Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, newly re-elected as Speaker of Parliament, was sworn in by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. Bagbin, who served as Speaker during the 8th Parliament, was renominated by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and received broad support from Members of Parliament.

Following his swearing-in, Bagbin presided over the oath-taking ceremony for 275 Members of Parliament-elect, with the exception of the representative from Ablekuma North.

The NDC, which won a majority in the 2024 parliamentary elections by securing 183 of the 276 seats, retained its leadership team for the new session:

• Majority Leader: Cassiel Ato Forson (MP for Ajumako Enyan Essiam)
• Deputy Majority Leader: Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP for Ellembelle)
• Majority Chief Whip: Governs Kwame Agbodza (MP for Adaklu)
• Deputy Majority Chief Whip: Ahmed Ibrahim (MP for Banda)

The inauguration was overshadowed by legal proceedings involving the Akwatia parliamentary seat. A court injunction upheld by the Koforidua High Court prevented Ernest Kumi of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) from being sworn in as the Member of Parliament-elect.

The injunction stemmed from a petition filed by Henry Boakye Yiadom, the NDC candidate, citing irregularities in the December 7, 2024, elections.

Despite opposition from the NPP’s counsel, the court maintained the injunction, barring Kumi from the swearing-in ceremony and the election of the Speaker.

Clerk of Parliament Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror reiterated that adhering to the court’s ruling was essential, underscoring the importance of respecting judicial orders during parliamentary proceedings.

The swearing-in ceremony, attended by dignitaries, family members, and friends, marks a significant step in Ghana’s democratic evolution and sets the stage for the work of the 9th Parliament.