By Valentia Tetteh
The Ninth Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana was inaugurated on January 7, 2025, following the 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary Election.
115 first-term Members of Parliament (MPs) have joined the House, bringing new energy, perspectives, and ideas to the legislative process.
These first-term MPs were sworn in alongside 156 continuing Members and four returning Members, forming a diverse assembly tasked with addressing national challenges and enacting critical legislation.
Of the 276 constituencies nationwide, the Electoral Commission (EC) issued Writs of Election for 275. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) holds a majority with 183 seats, while the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has 88 seats, and four seats are held by independent MPs.
Regarding gender distribution, 40 MPs are women, with 30 from the NDC and 10 from the NPP, while the remaining 235 MPs are male. Per regional breakdown of First-Term MPs, Northern Region has 8, Ahafo Region 4, Greater Accra Region 15, Eastern Region 15, Western North Region 5, Bono Region 7, Volta Region 6, Oti Region 3, Ashanti Region 22, Central Region 10, North East Region 4, Upper East Region 6, Western Region 9, Upper West Region 3, Bono East Region 2.
Both first-term and returning MPs are participating in an ongoing orientation program, designed to familiarize them with parliamentary practices and procedures. The program aims to deepen their understanding of the institution of Parliament, its structure, functions, and the roles and responsibilities of MPs.
It also emphasizes parliamentary etiquette, registers, and collaboration.
The program is also designed to allow continuing Members to share their experiences and bond with first-term and returning Members of Parliament.
