Speaker of Parliament, Alban S.K. Bagbin, has stated that the promise to reset Ghana, as highlighted in the December 7, 2024, general elections, has been massively endorsed by voters.
He emphasized that President-elect John Dramani Mahama cannot afford to disappoint the electorate and must deliver on his commitments.
The Speaker made these remarks during the final official opening of the Fourth Session of the 8th Parliament of the 4th Republic, held at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) on Monday, December 16, 2024.
In his address, the Speaker lauded President-elect John Dramani Mahama and Vice President-elect Professor Nana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on their electoral victory.
He also extended congratulations to outgoing President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for their roles in the peaceful electoral process.
Speaker Bagbin acknowledged the challenges posed by the 2024 election season on Members of Parliament but stressed their duty to respond to the national call.
“The House has work to do, a duty to perform, a Parliament to strengthen, and a nation to build,” he stated.
The Speaker praised the Ghanaian electorate for their peaceful participation in the general elections, describing it as a testament to the maturity of the country’s democracy.
“The peaceful manner in which Ghanaians participated in this pivotal process is a clear affirmation of our collective resolve to uphold, protect, and entrench democratic culture in our governance,” he remarked.
With only a limited time remaining in the term, the Speaker urged lawmakers to dedicate themselves to critical legislative priorities. He stressed the importance of the Parliament Transition Bill, 2023, and the Parliamentary Service Bill, 2024, as essential tools for ensuring smooth handovers of parliamentary administration.
The Speaker also outlined key legislative priorities, including the Expenditure in Advance of Appropriation Bill, the Environmental Protection Bill, and the Boundary Commission Bill.
He further stressed the urgency of the International Business and Economic Transactions Bill, describing it as “pivotal in positioning Ghana as a key player in the global economic arena.”
Acknowledging that this session may be the last for some MPs, the Speaker offered words of encouragement.
“To some of you, this Meeting may be the last moment of service within the corridors of Parliament but certainly not the end of your political service or life. Soldier on—who knows, you may return,” he said.
The Speaker urged MPs to focus on their sacred mandate to serve the people of Ghana until the end of the parliamentary term.
“Let us end this Parliament on a good note. It is essential, as leaders, we act to preserve the gains of our democracy,” he appealed.
