Today, January 6, 2025, the 8th Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana will formally dissolve, paving the way for the 9th Parliament to take office.
This is another significant turning point in the nation’s democratic history and the end of the legislative session, which started on January 7, 2021.
The Speaker of Parliament, the Right Honourable Alban Bagbin, will preside over the dissolution ceremony at a final sitting.
Members of Parliament will conclude any unfinished legislative business during this session and formally leave the chamber when their term comes to an end.
As politicians reflect on their past accomplishments and prepare for the upcoming Parliament, the event will be filled with both expectation and introspection.
One of the most fiercely contested parliaments in Ghana’s history, the eighth one started with one Independent Member of Parliament and 137 MPs each for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In order to pass important legislation, this uncommon balance of power frequently led to heated discussions and required careful negotiations.
There have been both successes and setbacks in Ghana’s legislative process throughout this time.
After the dissolution, the 9th Parliament will begin with the swearing-in of the newly elected members of Parliament at midnight. A crucial duty for the first session will be electing a Speaker and two deputy Speakers.
