On 15th October 2024, the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, addressed the Members of Parliament (MPs) as the House reconvened after its recess.
The session marked a pivotal moment in Ghana’s legislative calendar, as this meeting is one of the last for the 8th Parliament of the 4th Republic.
Rt. Hon. Bagbin’s address touched on key issues facing the country, including the legislative workload, democratic reforms, and the economic challenges brought about by global and national crises.
Rt. Hon. Bagbin began his address by sharing two messages from the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, detailing his official travels and absence from Ghana.
The first message, dated 20th September 2024, informed Parliament of the President’s upcoming visit to New York for the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“Mr Speaker, ”absence from Ghana”, in accordance with Article 59 of the Constitution, I would like to inform you that I will be traveling outside the country on Saturday, 21st September 2024 to New York, United States of America, to lead Ghana’s delegation to the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly from 21st to 27th September 2024.”
H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo P resident of the Repblic of Ghana
The message further confirmed that during his absence, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia would act in his stead, in line with Article 68 of the Constitution.
A second message, dated 3rd October 2024, was also read, indicating the President’s planned trips to Paris, France, and Hamburg, Germany, to attend key international summits. The President was scheduled to represent Ghana at the 19th Summit of the Organization Internationale de la Francophonie and later at the Hamburg Sustainable Conference.
“Mr Speaker, in accordance with Article 59 of the Constitution, I wish to inform you that I will be traveling outside the country on Thursday, 3rd October 2024 to Paris, France, at the invitation of the President of France, His Excellency Emmanuel Macron, to lead Ghana’s delegation to the 19th Summit of the [Organization Internationale de la Francophonie].”
H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo P resident of the Repblic of Ghana
These messages underscored the President’s ongoing engagement with international stakeholders on matters critical to Ghana’s diplomatic and development interests.
Welcome Address by the Speaker
Following the messages from the President, Rt. Hon. Bagbin delivered a heartfelt welcome to the MPs, recognizing the significance of the session in the context of the country’s legislative history.
He expressed a deep sense of duty and gratitude for the opportunity to address the House and urged MPs to remain focused as they approach the final stages of this parliamentary term.
“Honorable members, let it not be lost on any of us, that we stand at a critical juncture in our nation’s parliamentary history.”
Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin Speaker of Ghana’s 8th Parlaiment
He reminded the members that their work over the next few weeks would carry profound implications for the future of Ghana and the nation’s democracy.
Reflecting on Past Challenges and Legislative Accomplishments
In his address, the Speaker of Parliament acknowledged the resilience and dedication of the MPs throughout the term. He highlighted how the country had faced not only internal struggles but also external global challenges that had impacted Ghana’s economy and political stability.
“Together, we have navigated through unprecedented challenges ranging from global pandemics, conflicts, wars, uncertainty, and the economic challenges of our country to pivotal legislative reforms aimed at reversing the democratic decline and strengthening our governance and democratic institutions.”
Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin Speaker of Ghana’s 8th Parlaiment
He emphasized that the past few years had tested Ghana’s resilience in multiple dimensions, including its health, economy, and political systems.
The reforms passed by Parliament during this time, he noted, were aimed at ensuring that Ghana emerges from these challenges as a stronger democracy.
Looking Forward: The Penultimate Legislative Session
Rt. Hon. Bagbin outlined the upcoming proceedings of the house in the coming weeks.
“The legislative agenda ahead is weighty, and we must approach it with the seriousness it demands. Honorable members, let me remind you of the substantial and urgent workload that lies ahead. The business of the House is far from complete, and the legislative priorities before us demand nothing short of our utmost dedication.”
Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin Speaker of Ghana’s 8th Parlaiment
Among the key priorities would be the finalization of reforms initiated earlier in the term, with a particular focus on reversing the democratic decline observed in recent years. Rt. Hon. Bagbin called on MPs to ensure that these reforms are passed before the end of the parliamentary term, stressing the importance of maintaining the integrity of Ghana’s democratic institutions.
Call to Action for Parliamentarians
He emphasized that the coming weeks would be critical in shaping the future direction of the country and called on members to stay focused on their legislative duties, particularly in addressing the urgent issues that lay ahead.
“As we prepare to embark on this penultimate stretch, I urge all of you to remain steadfast in our resolve to serve the people of Ghana with all our strength and with all our hearts.”
Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin Speaker of Ghana’s 8th Parlaiment
The Speaker’s address served as both a reflection on the challenges faced by the 8th Parliament and a call to action as MPs approach the final months of their term.
With critical decisions yet to be made, the session promises to be one of the most consequential in recent parliamentary history.
