The 8th Parliament of Ghana, which witnessed unprecedented events, contentious debates, and landmark decisions will be dissolved today [Jan 6, 2025]. With its unique "hung" composition of 137 seats each for the two major political parties, NPP and NDC, the Parliament will be remembered for its achievements and challenges.

Composition and leadership drama

With an even split of 137 seats for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the balance of power was from an independent MP, Andrew Asiamah Amoako of the Fomena Constituency.

This unique arrangement set the stage for dramatic events, beginning with the chaotic election of the Speaker of Parliament. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, a veteran NDC politician.

The Speaker's election saw MPs physically clashing, ballot box snatching, and a military intervention in the Chamber. Bagbin’s tenure as Speaker became a defining feature of the 8th Parliament, with his assertive style often challenging the Executive’s authority.

The E-Levy controversy

One of the most contentious moments in the 8th Parliament was the debate and passage of the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) in 2022. The levy, which imposed a 1.5% tax on electronic financial transactions, sparked widespread public discontent.

The Minority fiercely opposed the bill, walking out of Parliament in protest during its approval. 

Despite public backlash and legal challenges, the E-Levy was passed by the Majority, highlighting the deep divisions within the House. The levy’s passage remains a symbol of the tension between the government’s revenue generation efforts and citizens’ economic concerns.

Approval of ministerial nominees

The approval of ministerial nominees exposed the complexities of a hung Parliament and party loyalty. Some nominees, such as Bryan Acheampong (Minister of Food and Agriculture), Kobina Tahir Hammond (Minister of Trade and Industry), and Stephen Asamoah Boateng (Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs), were approved in votes that split the Minority Caucus.

Despite the NDC’s official stance against these appointments, some Minority MPs voted in favour, sparking accusations of betrayal and highlighting cracks within the opposition. These approvals underscored the challenges of enforcing party discipline in a politically balanced Parliament.

Passage of key legislation

Despite its divisions, the 8th Parliament passed several important bills, leaving a lasting legislative impact.

Narcotics Control Commission (Amendment) Act, 2023: This law legalised the cultivation of cannabis for industrial and medicinal purposes, marking a significant shift in Ghana’s drug policy.

Tax Exemptions Bill, 2022: The bill aimed to streamline Ghana’s tax exemption regime, addressing long-standing concerns about revenue loss.

Criminal Offenses Act Amendment: This landmark amendment abolished the death penalty, positioning Ghana as a leader in human rights reforms in Africa.

LGBTQ+ Bill Debate

The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill sparked one of the most heated debates, drawing wide public and international interest.  Parliament late passed the anti-LGBTQ bill.

Vacant seats and legal battles

The declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant by Speaker Bagbin became a flashpoint in the 8th Parliament. The affected MPs included Sarah Adwoa Safo (Dome-Kwabenya) and Kennedy Agyapong (Assin Central), who were cited for absenteeism.

The Supreme Court later ruled that the Speaker’s actions were unconstitutional, emphasising the need for adherence to due process in declaring parliamentary seats vacant. This ruling served as a significant reminder of the checks and balances within Ghana’s democracy.

Memorable oversight and scandals

The 8th Parliament played a critical oversight role, summoning ministers to answer questions on key national issues. Notable examples include the grilling of Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta over Ghana’s economic challenges and the controversial request for a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

However, the House was not without scandals, including allegations of bribery in parliamentary committees. Such incidents tainted the institution’s image and underscored the need for transparency and accountability.

Budget approvals and public outcry

Annual budget approvals were another source of drama. The 2022 budget, in particular, was fiercely debated, with the Minority rejecting key revenue measures. Public backlash against proposed taxes, including the E-Levy, forced the government to revise portions of the budget to secure parliamentary approval.

Legacy of the 8th Parliament

As the 8th Parliament dissolves, it leaves a legacy of resilience, contentious decisions, and historic milestones. Its tenure underscored the importance of collaboration in a hung Parliament, the need for political maturity, and the power of legislative oversight in strengthening Ghana’s democracy.

As Ghanaians look to the 9th Parliament, hopes are high for greater unity and a renewed focus on addressing pressing national challenges. The 8th Parliament’s impact will undoubtedly remain a defining chapter in Ghana’s democratic journey.

The 8th Parliament’s legacy is one of resilience, innovation, and hard-fought progress. While it faced criticism for certain actions, it also set new benchmarks for parliamentary independence and accountability. As Ghana transitions to the 9th Parliament, the lessons learned and milestones achieved during this tenure will serve as a guiding light for continued democratic growth.