Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has urged Members of Parliament (MPs) to use the period of recess to re-connect with their constituents, undertake field oversight and deepen parliamentary democracy.He acknowledged the efforts, contributions and commitment of the MPs towards parliamentary business throughout the 43 parliamentary sittings over the 10-week period.The Speaker gave the advice in a speech read on his behalf by Mr Bernard Ahiafor, the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, during the closing ceremony of the Second Meeting of the First Session of the Ninth Parliament on Friday, in Accra.He said: "I would like to express my sincere appreciation to my honourable members for your unwavering commitment to the business of the House."Over the course of the meeting held between May and August, Parliament convened a total of 43 sittings."During this time, the House diligently exercised its legislative oversight and representative functions, consulting significant businesses and deliberating on matters of national interest."Among the key highlights of the Meeting included major constitutional business, presentation of mid-year budget review, 73 statements were made, vetting of four deputy ministerial nominees and seven supreme court nominees.In all, 13 bills were presented, out of which eight were passed, one at the consideration stage, two at the committee level and two rescinded.The bills that were passed included the Energy Sector Levy Amendment Bill 2025, Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill, 2025, the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Amendment Bill 2025, Social Protection Bill 2025, and the University for Development Studies Bill 2025.Some 497 questions were admitted and processed.
Out of these, 297 were asked and answered.They comprised 242 questions and 55 agenda questions, which reflected the MPs' deep commitment to ensuring accountability, transparency and responsiveness from the executive arm of government.Parliament unfortunately witnessed the painful demise of Ernest Yaw Kumi, the Member of Parliament for Akwatia, which occurred on Monday, July 7, 2025.His demise was attributed to heart failure.Speaker Bagbin commended the leadership of both sides of the House and underscored the need to approach issues through consensus building and deliberations, negotiations.He commended also his two deputy Speakers for steering the affairs of the House during his absence, the Clerks, the Parliamentary Press Corps and the entire staff of the Parliamentary Service.The House was adjourned sine die (meaning indefinitely).-GNA
