Ghana’s 8th Parliament of the Fourth Republic will officially dissolve today, January 6, 2025, to make way for the 9th Parliament’s commencement.
This marks the end of the legislative term, which began on January 7, 2021.
The dissolution will occur during a last session presided over by the Speaker of Parliament, the Right Honourable Alban Bagbin.
During this session, MPs will wrap up any outstanding business and formally bid farewell to the chamber as the term comes to close.
The 8th Parliament was one of the most closely contested in Ghana’s history, with the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) holding an equal number of seats at the start – 137-137, with one Independent Member.
This particular balance frequently resulted in heated debates and contentious compromises in the legislative process.
Following the dissolution, freshly elected MPs will be sworn in at midnight, signaling the start of the ninth Parliament.
This transition will also include the election of a new Speaker, or the continuance of the present Speaker if re-elected.
The 9th Parliament is scheduled to address critical national concerns such as economic recovery, healthcare reforms, and electoral challenges arising from the recent general elections.
As the 8th Parliament concludes its tenure, Ghanaians will be watching intently to see how the next legislative body navigates its mandate in the coming years.
