Parliament Adjourns Sine Die After Intense Legislative Session Marked by Reform Calls and Tributes
Parliament has adjourned sine die following the conclusion of the Forty-Third Sitting of the Second Meeting of the First Session of the current legislature.
The final sitting, held on Friday, August 2, was marked by solemnity, political tension, and renewed calls for institutional reform, drawing the curtain on what many lawmakers have described as one of the most intense parliamentary sessions in recent memory.
The just-ended session recorded over 43 sittings in a span of 10 weeks, with several sittings extending into the late hours and weekends to attend to critical state business.
Minority Raises Red Flag Over Legislative Procedure
Minority Leader and MP for Effutu, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, used the floor to express deep concerns over what he termed a worrying trend in the legislative process — the frequent use of the certificate of urgency to fast-track bills.
He argued that the practice, though legal, risks undermining deliberative consensus and thorough parliamentary scrutiny.
“Yes, numbers matter, but principles matter more. Parliament is a moral contract… power must be exercised with restraint,” he stated.
Hon. Afenyo-Markin also paid tribute to the late MP for Akwatia, Ernest Kumi, describing him as a promising young legislator whose passing had cast a shadow over the House.
Majority Commends MPs, Highlights Workload
Leader of Government Business and Majority Leader, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, acknowledged the intensity of the session and praised Members of Parliament for their resilience and commitment.
“This recess is an opportunity for Members to return to their constituencies, reconnect with their people, and recharge with their families,” he said. “But our parliamentary duties do not end — they continue in the communities we represent.”
The Majority Leader also expressed worry over the health and wellbeing of legislators, following recent losses of sitting MPs, and called on colleagues to prioritise their physical and mental health during the recess.
Speaker Calls for Healthcare Reforms
Delivering a closing statement on behalf of the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban S. K. Bagbin, First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor echoed similar sentiments regarding the toll of parliamentary life on Members.
He described the recent passing of Hon. M. S. Yaw Kumi, the MP for Akwatia, as a “painful reminder” of the stress and demands of public service.
“The House must begin serious conversations about ensuring adequate healthcare support for its Members,” he noted.
The Speaker also referenced the ongoing electoral dispute in the Ablekuma North Constituency, stating that Parliament remains committed to ensuring fair representation and upholding democratic processes.
Finance Minister Tables Global Fund Agreement
Prior to adjournment, the Minister for Finance laid before the House the Agreement on the Privileges and Immunities of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (2011).
The move is expected to bolster Ghana’s legal and institutional framework for engaging with global health financing mechanisms, especially in the areas of HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria interventions.
Next Steps
With the House now adjourned, MPs are expected to return to their constituencies to engage with constituents, monitor ongoing development projects,
and prepare for the next parliamentary meeting.
