Ghana's Parliament has reconvened for the Third Meeting of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament, with Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin calling on Members of Parliament to put national interests above partisan interests. He emphasized that the House has a significant workload, including the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy, constitutional reforms, and other major legislative business.
The Speaker reminded MPs that their engagements with constituents during the recess were an integral part of their parliamentary responsibilities and should inform deliberations in the House. He noted that Parliament faces a demanding workload, including the consideration of 11 bills, nine legislative instruments, 44 papers, 582 committee referrals, 58 motions, and more than 200 outstanding parliamentary questions.
A key area of focus will be the anticipated Constitution Amendment Bill to be introduced by the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice to review several non-entrenched provisions of the 1992 Constitution. Mr. Bagbin emphasized that constitutional reforms must be pursued through broad national consensus rather than partisan competition, describing the Constitution as the collective property of the Ghanaian people and not that of any political party or government.
The Speaker also urged MPs to give serious consideration to the proposed Parliament Bill and Budget Bill, which seek to modernize Parliament's legal framework and strengthen legislative oversight of public finances. He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the House proceeds with the necessary motion to rescind its earlier decision at the third reading stage and conclude consideration of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025.
Mr. Bagbin cautioned against the frequent suspension of Standing Orders to expedite the passage of legislation, stressing that thorough scrutiny is essential to producing sound and constitutionally compliant laws. He expressed concern over declining standards of public discourse and warned that Parliament would adopt a stricter approach to enforcing rules on decorum, order, and parliamentary language to preserve the dignity of the House.
The Speaker announced plans to deepen Parliament's digital transformation through the full implementation of a biometric attendance system and the piloting of electronic voting, while exploring the responsible use of artificial intelligence in parliamentary work. He said technology remains critical to building a more efficient, transparent, and accountable legislature.
The Parliament of Ghana will consider several key legislative business over the next eight weeks, including the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy. The House will also consider several bills, including the Constitution Amendment Bill, Parliament Bill, and Budget Bill.
Key points
- Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin urges MPs to prioritize national interests over partisan interests.
- Parliament to consider 11 bills, nine legislative instruments, and 44 papers over the next eight weeks.
- The House to implement a biometric attendance system and pilot electronic voting to enhance efficiency and transparency.
