Parliament resumed sitting on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, for the Third Meeting of the First Session of the Ninth Parliament of the Fourth Republic, with the Majority and Minority Leaders setting sharply contrasting tones on the state of governance and national progress.
The session, presided over by Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, began with the swearing in ceremony for the two newly elected Members of Parliament for Akwatia and Tamale Central constituencies, Hon. Bernard Bediako and Hon. Professor Alidu Seidu respectively. This was followed by the solemn tributes to the eight distinguished Ghanaians who perished in the August 6 helicopter crash, including the then Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, and the MP for Tamale Central, Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.
Delivering his opening address, the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, hailed what he described as significant strides made by the Mahama-led administration, repeatedly declaring, “So far so excellent!”
Hon. Ayariga highlighted key achievements in economic recovery, social protection, and governance reforms, asserting that Ghana’s economy is rebounding faster than expected. He cited positive endorsements from the IMF, Bloomberg, and the African Development Bank, and noted that inflation had dropped to single digits, the cedi had stabilized, and public debt was being prudently managed.
He also announced that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) had strengthened its parliamentary dominance following recent by-elections in Tamale Central and Akwatia, describing the NDC’s position as a “Gargantuan Majority.”
“The energy sector is stable, schools are functioning without disruption, and the National Health Insurance Scheme has achieved historic consistency in claims payments,” he stated, adding that timely disbursements of the District Assemblies Common Fund were boosting local economies.
The Majority Leader outlined an extensive legislative agenda across ministries, including major bills on education, health, justice, energy, and gender equity. He also congratulated Speaker Bagbin for Ghana’s Parliament being adjudged the Most Open Parliament in Africa for the second time under the Open Parliament Index (OPI).
In contrast, the Minority Leader, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, painted a grim picture of the nation’s governance and economy. While extending condolences to families of the crash victims and welcoming two new MPs, he accused the government of presiding over worsening economic hardships and political intolerance.
“Stabilization means little if the youth remain unemployed and families still struggle with the cost of living,” he said, citing mass dismissals in the public sector and unpaid salaries of junior doctors, nurses, and teachers as evidence of poor management.
Hon. Afenyo-Markin condemned what he called politically motivated arrests of opposition members, journalists, and social media users, describing the trend as a threat to freedom of expression and democratic governance. He also questioned the transparency of the recent removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, warning that it could undermine judicial independence.
On illegal mining, the Minority Leader called for urgent bipartisan action to address the escalating environmental devastation, describing it as “a full-blown national crisis.” He also demanded that the recent Ghana–US agreement on deportees be brought before Parliament for ratification, stressing the need to protect Ghana’s sovereignty.
“The time to act is now,” he declared. “If we fail to protect our rivers, lands, and communities, we risk failing an entire generation.”
The two leaders’ opening statements set the stage for a highly charged session expected to feature robust debates on job creation, governance accountability, the fight against galamsey, and the 2026 Budget Statement.
Source: Clement Akoloh||parliamentnews360.com
