By The outset of the fourth session of the eighth Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana marked a consequential epoch in the nation’s political landscape. It was defined by a multitude of pivotal events and noteworthy moments that profoundly influenced the trajectory of governance.
Throughout this period, significant developments unfolded, shaping the legislative framework of the country. Parliament’s active involvement in deliberative discussions and the successful enactment of vital legislation underscored its indispensable role in addressing pressing national issues and advancing the nation’s development agenda. Notably, the session commenced with a historic milestone as new Standing Orders, governing parliamentary proceedings, were implemented. These revisions marked a substantial update to the previous rules, which had guided parliamentary affairs for nearly three decades.
The updated Standing Orders introduced innovative practices and procedures, such as roll call, the recitation of the National Anthem and National Pledge. Additionally, they encompass provisions for conducting parliamentary business via virtual platforms, facilitating open committee sittings, and delineating the hierarchy of Parliament’s leadership. These amendments aim to address the evolving requirements of Ghana’s dynamic and hybrid parliamentary democracy, enhancing the efficiency of parliamentary processes and procedures in light of the shifting political landscape. Subsequently, Parliament has conducted training sessions for Members, staff, civil society representatives, and the Parliamentary Press Corps to familiarize them with the new Standing Orders.
The premature exit of the Black Stars from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations during the group stage prompted organizers of the “Save Ghana Football” demonstrators to submit a 15-point petition to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin. The Leadership of the House formally received the petition, igniting a fervent debate among parliamentarians on the floor. Subsequently, the petition was referred to the Committee on Youth, Sports, and Culture for thorough investigation and subsequent reporting to the House.
During this session, an unprecedented event occurred when a Member assumed the role of presiding officer in the absence of the Rt. Hon. Speaker and his two deputies. In accordance with Standing Order 12(4), the Clerk to Parliament called for nominations from the House for a Member to preside over the sitting as the Member Presiding. Subsequently, Kwasi Ameyaw-Cheremeh, the Member for Sunyani East, was elected to chair proceedings for the day. In subsequent instances, Mr. Kobina Tahir Hammond, the Member of Parliament for Adansi Asokwa and Minister of Trade and Industry, also undertook the responsibilities of the Chair as Member Presiding due to the absence of the Speaker and his deputies.
The Majority Caucus underwent a significant leadership transition as the longstanding leader was succeeded by his Deputy as Majority Leader, subsequent to his resignation announcement on the House floor. Mr. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu formally communicated his decision to step down as the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business. In his place, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Member for Effutu, was appointed as his successor. Additionally, the nomination of Lydia Seyram Alhassan, the First Deputy Majority Whip, as the Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, prompted further adjustments in the leadership structure of the Majority Caucus, detailed as follows:
i. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin – Majority Leader
ii. Patricia Appiagyei – Deputy Majority Leader
iii. Frank Annoh-Dompreh – Majority Chief Whip
iv. Habib Iddrisu – First Deputy Majority Whip
v. Alex Tetteh Djornobuah – Second Deputy Majority Whip
Another remarkable occurrence during this session was President Nana Akufo-Addo’s delivery of the State of the Nation Address, in adherence to Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution. The President’s speech provided comprehensive insights into the nation’s development trajectory, highlighting both challenges and the vision for the future.
The Meeting witnessed the introduction of some notable bills and legislative proposals aimed at addressing key issues facing the country. These issues ranged from economic development to social welfare and governance reforms. Parliament passed significant Bills, including the Death Penalty Bill, Witchcraft Bill, Ghana Anti-doping Bill and the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill. The Bills received support from a coalition of Christian, Muslim, and Ghanaian traditional leaders, and backing among Members of Parliament.
Some of the Bills are yet to be assented to by the Executive President who, in various communications signed by his secretary to the Clerk to Parliament, assigned reasons including citing two pending legal actions at the Supreme Court, as reasons for his not being able to assent to the Bills. The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin described one of the letters as contemptuous of Parliament, the wrong application of the dangerous legal principle of interim injunction and an affront to the tenets of democracy.
Speaker Bagbin in the same vain, also brought to the attention of the House, the receipt of a process from the Court which sought to restrain the Speaker from proceeding with the vetting and approval of the names of the persons submitted by the President until the provisions of the Constitution are satisfied. Applying the same principle, Mr. Speaker stated that the House was unable to continue to consider the nominations of the President in the “spirit of upholding the rule of law “until after the determination of the application for an interlocutory injunction by the Supreme Court”. A quotation he borrowed from the letter of the Secretary to the President.
The Meeting was punctuated by somber and reflective moments, particularly with the passing of Dr. John Ampontuah Kumah, Member for Ejisu and Deputy Minister for Finance, on Thursday, March 7, 2024.
The inaugural session of the fourth session of the 8th Parliament of Ghana witnessed significant milestones crucial to legislative and political progress. The pivotal role of the Speaker of Parliament in fostering constructive debates and maintaining decorum within the Legislative Chamber was evident. His leadership was instrumental in ensuring the effective functioning of Parliament and the preservation of democratic values.
Following the conclusion of the session, Parliament has entered a recess period and is anticipated to reconvene for the Second Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Eighth Parliament in the near future.
