By Valentia Tetteh
Parliament has adjourned sine die the Second Meeting of the First Session of the Ninth Parliament of the Fourth Republic, with Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga commending Members for their dedication and urging them to prioritise their health during the recess.
Delivering his closing remarks on the floor of the House on Friday, August 1, 2025, Ayariga described the just-ended meeting as “arduous”, noting that the House held 43 sittings over a ten-week period, some extending late into the night and even on Saturdays.
He reminded the public that recess is not a vacation, but a period for MPs to connect with their constituents. “Recess provides us the opportunity to visit and interact with our constituents and spend time with our families and loved ones—something we barely get to do due to the demands of the job,” he stated.
Highlighting the House’s achievements, the Majority Leader noted that Parliament had approved four deputy ministerial nominees by consensus, considered several bills, reviewed government policies, and engaged in rigorous debates. He congratulated Dorcas Affo-Toffey (Transport), James Gyakye Quayson (Foreign Affairs), Mohammed Adam Sukparu (Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation), and Prof. Grace Ayensu-Danquah (Health) on their unanimous approvals.
He also praised Finance Minister Dr. Ato Baah Forson for presenting a well-received 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review, which he said reflected significant gains in the economy. “Inflation, which was hovering around 23.8% in December 2024, has been brought down drastically to 13.7%—an unprecedented economic achievement,” he noted, adding that foreign reserves had risen to US$11.1 billion, while GDP growth had reached 5.3%, surpassing projections.
Mr Ayariga further congratulated the Black Queens for winning bronze at the 2024 WAFCON in Morocco and applauded the launch of the Northern Caucus in Parliament, which aims to champion development in the five northern regions.
On a solemn note, he paid tribute to Ernest Kumi, MP for Akwatia, who passed away on July 7, 2025, and Ghanaian music legend Charles Kojo Fosu (Daddy Lumba), who died on July 26, 2025. “These deaths are poignant reminders of the fleeting nature of life,” he remarked.
He, however, expressed concern over absenteeism and lateness among some MPs, urging greater commitment. “We must be cognisant of the fact that we are assigned a responsibility to ensure that the country’s parliamentary democracy is held to high standards. Let us live up to expectation,” he admonished.
As the House proceeds on recess, he called on MPs to take care of their health, stressing that preventable deaths have plagued Parliament over the years. “While the work we do is important, taking care of ourselves and spending time with our families and loved ones is equally important,” he advised.
The Majority Leader concluded by expressing appreciation to the Speaker, his deputies, parliamentary staff, and the media for their support. “You are the silent heroes, and I truly appreciate you. To the Parliamentary Press Corps, I say thank you for choosing to be our partners on this journey,” he said.
