Accra, Ghana – May 27, 2025 — The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has issued a strong call to Members of Parliament (MPs) to rise above pettiness and commit to the principles of duty, transparency, and accountability as the House resumed sitting for the Second Meeting of the First Session of the Ninth Parliament.
Addressing the House at the start of the session, the Speaker cautioned MPs against actions that could erode public trust.
“Ghanaians are watching the House with a mixture of hope and doubt,” he stated, noting that although citizens desire to believe in Parliament, they remain skeptical due to years of unmet expectations.
The Speaker emphasized the need for MPs to adhere strictly to the Standing Orders, especially concerning absenteeism.
He reiterated that Members seeking permission to be absent must first go through the established processes with their respective party leaders before approaching the Speaker’s office.
Turning to the legislative agenda, Majority Leader Hon. Mahama Ayariga revealed that several key Ministers are scheduled to present critical Bills and policy proposals to the House.
Among them are the Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu; Minister for Transport, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe; and Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah.
Key items on the agenda include the Scholarship Authority Bill, the University for Development Studies Bill, the Ghana Book Development Council Bill, and two important amendments to the Road Traffic Regulations—one of which seeks to legalize commercial motorcycle operations, popularly known as “okada.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Minority Leader Hon. Patricia Appiagyei emphasized the need for Parliament to reassert its oversight role.
She advocated for stronger accountability mechanisms to monitor statutory funds, presidential travel expenditures under the Mahama Cares Initiative, and any actions undertaken in the name of public interest.
“We must summon the courage to challenge every constitutional infraction, every abuse of public funds, and every assault on citizen dignity,” she asserted.
The House is expected to sit until the final week of July before adjourning sine die.
As the session progresses, Ghanaians will be watching closely to see whether their representatives will rise to the occasion and fulfill their legislative and oversight responsibilities.
Report By: Robicon Mornahson
