Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has called on Members of Parliament to recommit themselves to discipline, reflection, and national service as the Ninth Parliament commenced the first meeting of its second session in Accra.
Addressing the House at Parliament House, the Speaker Bagbin framed the new session as both a continuation of Parliament’s constitutional work and an opportunity for institutional renewal after a demanding first year.
Welcoming Members back from recess, Speaker Bagbin said the formal opening of the second session marked an important milestone in the life of the Ninth Parliament. He noted that the House was beginning the session with gratitude, humility, and a renewed sense of purpose.
According to him, the successful completion of the first session was the result of divine guidance and collective effort, rather than individual accomplishment. He described the moment as a reminder that Parliament’s work is ultimately rooted in service to the people of Ghana.
The Speaker expressed hope that the recess period had allowed Members to reconnect with their constituents, receive feedback from the public, and regain the energy required for what he described as a strenuous and focused legislative agenda.
He stressed that the work ahead would demand commitment, resilience, and a shared responsibility to uphold the dignity of the House. Reflecting on the achievements of the first session, Speaker Bagbin said Parliament made steady progress in fulfilling its constitutional mandate.
Among the key accomplishments he highlighted were the orientation of new Members, the constitution and operationalization of parliamentary committees, and the consideration and passage of several bills, constitutional instruments, and statutory instruments.
He credited these outcomes to the collective efforts of Members of Parliament, parliamentary leadership, committee members, officers of the Parliamentary Service, and civil society organizations that supported the work of the House.
While commending these achievements, the Speaker was candid about the challenges that accompanied the first session. He said the period tested Parliament’s endurance, discipline, and tolerance for divergent views.
According to him, some moments strained adherence to parliamentary traditions, customs, and conventions that underpin democratic culture. He urged Members to see these challenges not merely as isolated incidents, but as lessons that could help strengthen the institution.
Speaker Bagbin announced plans to mark the one year anniversary of the Ninth Parliament as part of efforts to deepen institutional learning. He explained that the proposed observance would allow Parliament to reflect on the operations, conduct, and lived experiences of the first session, with the aim of distilling lessons to guide proceedings in the second session and beyond.
He added that the event would be institutionalized to coincide with the commencement of each session, serving as a formal mechanism for taking stock of Parliament’s performance and setting standards for future conduct.
The Speaker also used the occasion to acknowledge moments of national grief that affected the House during the past year. He recalled the deaths of three sitting Members of Parliament, describing their passing as a solemn reminder of the fragility of life and the sacrifices associated with public service.
He paid tribute to the late Members, noting that their contributions to Parliament and to their constituents would be remembered. He called on the House to uphold compassion, solidarity, and mutual support, even amid robust debate and political disagreement.
According to Mr Bagbin, respect, love, and unity of purpose must always prevail over hatred and bitter partisanship. He emphasized that while differences of opinion are natural in a democratic legislature, they should never undermine the shared responsibility of Members to serve the national interest.
He urged Parliamentarians to remain mindful of the trust placed in them by the people and to conduct themselves in ways that reinforce public confidence in the institution.
Turning to the work ahead, the Speaker described the agenda of the second session as demanding, particularly in the areas of legislation and oversight. He reminded Members of the provisions of the Standing Orders that require the circulation of the agenda for each meeting, underscoring the importance of preparation and informed participation in parliamentary business.
He said the new session offered a fresh opportunity to strengthen cooperation, build consensus on matters of national importance, and restore trust through disciplined, transparent, and accountable conduct.
Speaker Bagbin appealed to Members to rise above partisanship when circumstances required it, noting that national development and the welfare of citizens should always take precedence over political differences.
He stressed that the dignity of Parliament must be protected through conduct that reflects maturity, respect for procedure, and a willingness to work collectively for the common good.
As the House embarks on the second session, the Speaker expressed confidence that Parliament could build on its early achievements while addressing past shortcomings.
He called on Members to approach their duties with humility and a clear sense of purpose, reminding them that Parliament is both a guardian of democracy and a reflection of the values of the nation it serves.
In closing, Mr Bagbin wished Members peaceful, productive, and purposeful deliberations during the session. He described Ghana as a blessed country and Parliament as a blessed institution, urging all stakeholders to cherish and preserve both through responsible leadership and principled service.
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