Thursday, 19 December

Parliament reconvenes today for final leg after landmark elections

Politics
Parliament of Ghana

Ghana’s Parliament is set to reconvene today, Monday, December 16, 2024, at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC).

This marks its first sitting since the pivotal December 7 general elections that significantly altered the country’s political landscape.

The session follows an official circular from the Speaker’s Office, dated December 11, 2024, confirming the venue for the meeting.

Earlier, Speaker Alban Bagbin, in a notice dated December 2, 2024, had summoned Members of Parliament (MPs) to resume their functions, citing the critical importance of this sitting in light of recent political developments.

The December 7 elections ushered in a major shift in Ghana’s parliamentary dynamics, with the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) securing a majority in the legislature.

The election results saw several prominent New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs lose their seats, including Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Henry Quartey, K.T. Hammond, and Andy Appiah-Kubi.

This dramatic change has reshaped the balance of power in Parliament, granting the NDC a stronger hand in legislative decision-making.

The NDC’s success extended to the presidential race, with John Dramani Mahama defeating NPP’s Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to reclaim the presidency.

Before the elections, the Majority Caucus, led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, had urged Speaker Bagbin to recall Parliament to address pressing legislative matters.

However, the Speaker declined these requests, insisting that parliamentary activities remain suspended until after the elections.

This decision stirred controversy, with some MPs debating its timing and potential impact on governance.

Today’s sitting is expected to focus on critical post-election matters, including the transition to the new administration and discussions on legislative priorities for the incoming government.

As the country prepares for a new political era, Parliament’s deliberations will play a crucial role in shaping Ghana’s legislative and governance framework under the NDC-led majority.

Source: Classfmonline.com/Cecil Mensah