Members of the 9th Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana have officially been sworn in, launching a new legislative session on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at Parliament House in Accra. The ceremony followed the midnight dissolution of the 8th Parliament and ushered in an era defined by a notable shift in the country’s political landscape.
During the historic ceremony, the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo, administered the oath of office to the newly re-elected Speaker, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin. Bagbin, previously Speaker of the 8th Parliament, received overwhelming support from Members of Parliament after his nomination by the National Democratic Congress (NDC). His reappointment marks a pivotal moment for Ghana’s democratic journey, as he brings extensive experience to the leadership of the House.
Family members, friends, and dignitaries attended the event, which encompassed the oath-taking for 275 Members of Parliament-elect—excluding the representative from the Ablekuma North constituency. This swearing-in signaled the beginning of a new legislative era and reflected the outcome of the 2024 general elections. With 183 seats out of 276, the NDC secured a clear majority and retained its leadership team:
- Cassiel Ato Forson (MP for Ajumako Enyan Essiam) as Majority Leader
- Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP for Ellembelle) as Deputy Majority Leader
- Governs Kwame Agbodza (MP for Adaklu) as Majority Chief Whip
- Ahmed Ibrahim (MP for Banda) as Deputy Majority Chief Whip
Despite the overall smooth proceedings, the swearing-in was overshadowed by a legal dispute surrounding the Akwatia parliamentary seat. The Koforidua High Court enforced an injunction barring Ernest Kumi, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, from being sworn in or holding himself out as the duly elected Member of Parliament. The injunction stemmed from a petition filed by the NDC’s Henry Boakye Yiadom, citing alleged irregularities in the December 7, 2024, elections.
NPP counsel Gary Nimako Marfo argued that election petitions should be dismissed if filed outside a 21-day window following gazetting, but the court’s injunction remains in effect until further hearings. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin indicated that Kumi was ready to participate in the swearing-in and subsequent Speaker election—despite legal ramifications—while Clerk Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror confirmed that allowing Kumi to do so would contravene the court’s directive.
