Ghana’s Parliament resumes today, Monday, December 16, 2024, for its first sitting since the pivotal December 7 general elections.
The meeting, set to take place at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre, is expected to address key post-election matters.
This sitting follows an official circular issued by the Speaker’s Office on December 11, confirming the venue for the session.
Speaker Alban Bagbin, in an earlier notice dated December 2, 2024, had summoned Parliament to resume its functions, citing the need to address pressing national issues in light of the country’s recent political changes.
The December 7 elections significantly reshaped Ghana’s political landscape. The National Democratic Congress, or NDC, now holds a parliamentary majority after defeating several high-profile Members of Parliament from the New Patriotic Party. Among those who lost their seats are Ursula Owusu-Ekulful, Henry Quartey, KT Hammond, and Andy Appiah Kubi. This shift has effectively altered the balance of power in the legislature.
The NDC’s dominance extended to the presidential race, with John Dramani Mahama emerging victorious over the NPP’s candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. Mahama’s return to power and his party’s parliamentary majority mark a new chapter in Ghana’s governance.
Before the elections, the Majority Caucus, led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, had repeatedly called on Speaker Bagbin to recall Parliament for urgent legislative matters.
However, Speaker Bagbin declined, insisting that activities remain suspended until after the elections. This decision drew mixed reactions from lawmakers, with some questioning its timing and governance implications.
As Parliament reconvenes, today’s session will focus on critical issues, including the transition to a new administration and key legislative priorities for Mahama’s incoming government. The gathering also serves as an opportunity to outline the legislative agenda for the months ahead.
With the NDC now firmly in control of both the executive and legislative branches, all eyes will be on today’s proceedings to gauge the direction of Ghana’s political and legislative future. We’ll keep you updated as the story develops.