Accra, May 28, 2025 – Ghana’s Parliament has commenced the Second Meeting of the Ninth Parliament of the Fourth Republic with a renewed commitment to pursuing economic stability, institutional reforms, and robust oversight. In his opening statement on Tuesday, the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, outlined an ambitious legislative roadmap aimed at resetting the country’s governance and financial systems.
Addressing Members of Parliament, Hon. Ayariga stated that the focus of the new sitting would be on “pursuing fiscal prudence, economic consolidation, and private sector revitalization,” as part of efforts to strengthen Ghana’s financial and governance architecture under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama.
“We are poised to receive the Mid-Year Budget Review, accompanied by far-reaching fiscal policy measures,” Hon. Ayariga declared. “This includes new guidelines on the utilization of the District Assemblies Common Fund, with 80% earmarked for direct disbursement to Assemblies.”
Key Upcoming Bills
The legislative pipeline for this meeting is robust, cutting across critical sectors such as finance, justice, education, energy, and local governance. Notable among the expected bills are:
Finance and Economic Management
- Ghana Investment Promotion Authority Bill – to replace the current Ghana Investment Promotion Centre.
- Ghana Deposit Protection (Amendment) Bill – aimed at aligning the deposit protection framework with international standards.
- Exemptions (Amendment) Bill and accompanying regulations – to streamline the tax exemptions regime.
- Additional financial instruments include amendments to the Customs Act, Income Tax Act, and Fees and Charges Regulations.
Legal and Governance Reforms
The Attorney-General is set to introduce a series of reform bills including:
- Conduct of Public Officers Bill
- Legal Profession and Legal Education Reform Bills
- Presidential Transition (Amendment) Bill
- Tribunals Bill
These are expected to overhaul Ghana’s legal and accountability framework, with a particular focus on corruption, procurement reform, and public office ethics.
Energy Sector Transformation
Energy Minister John Jinapor will lead a major restructuring of Ghana’s energy laws. Key proposals include:
- Repeal and re-enactment of the National Petroleum Authority Act
- Nuclear Power Corporation Bill to regulate nuclear energy development
- Renewable Energy Authority Bill
- Introduction of a Multiple Lease Model for electricity distribution
Education and Social Protection
- Scholarships Authority Bill
- University of Development Studies Bill
- Colleges of Education Act Amendment
- Legislative Instruments (LIs) for the National Teaching Council, Curriculum and Assessment, and Affirmative Action Act (2024)
Local Government and Chieftaincy
- University of Local Governance and Development Bill
- Amendments to the Chieftaincy Act
- Repeal of existing Development Authorities Acts, with proposed transfer of their assets and functions
Transport and Infrastructure
- Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill to legalize the operations of commercial motorcyclists (Okada)
- Inland Water Transport Authority Bill
- Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority Bill to streamline maritime institutional relationships
Hon. Ayariga emphasized that these reforms are central to the Mahama-led administration’s commitment to transparency, institutional integrity, and pro-poor development. He added that Parliament will also be reviewing major international agreements, loan requests, and tax waivers in the coming weeks.
Oversight and Accountability
The Majority Leader reiterated the House’s determination to exercise strict oversight, noting that committees would launch investigations into past financial scandals, including the controversial Agyapa Royalties deal, the PDS transaction, and procurement breaches at the Electricity Company of Ghana and the Bank of Ghana.
“As Parliamentarians, it is our duty to ensure the dividends of democracy reach the people,” Ayariga said. “Through this legislative agenda, we will drive meaningful progress for our beloved nation.”
The sitting is expected to be a defining moment for Ghana’s Ninth Parliament as it works to solidify its role as the engine room for legislative and democratic reform.
Source: Clement Akoloh||parliamentnews360.com
