Parliament not court of law - Speaker tells MPs as House adjourns sine die

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has said Parliament is not a court of law for the debate of jurisprudence.

He has, therefore, urged Members of Parliament (MPs) to use the floor of the House to communicate complex governance issues in simple terms to the people they serve.

In his closing remarks to MPs when the House adjourned sine die (indefinitely) on Saturday, March 29, 2025, Mr Bagbin explained that Parliament's role was distinct from that of the judiciary.

“It is a place for you to break down the mysteries of governance in the ordinary language for the people you represent to understand to buy in and to support you to improve their lot. No more jurisprudential debate,” he said.

Parliament was scheduled to adjourn indefinitely last Friday, March 28, 2025 per the Business Statement presented on March 21, 2025 but had to postpone to Saturday, March 29, 2025 because of some unfinished business.

Parliamentary harmony

Mr Bagbin emphasised the importance of parliamentary harmony and consensus-building, while acknowledging Parliament’s role as a conflictual national political platform.

He cautioned the MPs against the dangers of political polarisation, erosion of public trust, fragmentation of Parliament as an institution, and threat to national security.

He commended members of the House for their commitment and sense of duty with which they approached their responsibilities.

“As we rise today. Let us carry forward the spirit of cooperation, consensus building and patriotism that has characterised our work during this meeting.

There is still much to be done and I am confident that with the spirit of patriotism, dedication and teamwork we will continue to serve the people of Ghana diligently,” he said.

Leaders

The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, expressed his gratitude to all MPs for their dedication, hard work and an unwavering commitment to the progress of the country.

“Together we are laying the foundation for a prosperous, united and resilient Ghana one that will shine brightly for generations to come,” the National Democratic Congress MP for Bawku Central in the Upper East Region said.

The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who is also the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP for Effutu in the Central Region, expressed concern about the overly partisan posture in the House.

“Our country needs a Parliament that will discuss the real issues and offer solutions,” he said, adding: “We must not allow partisanship to overly take over the debates.”

The session

The House, during the session, witnessed the adoption of 14 reports of the Appointments Committee leading to the approval of the President's nominees for various positions including ministers of state, deputy ministers and Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund. It also carried out its oversight responsibilities with the admission of 190 questions of which only 58 comprising both urgent and oral questions were answered.

In addition, one instrument namely Environmental Protection Mining in the Forest Amendment Regulations, 2025 was presented to the House during the meeting while 16 bills were considered, ten of which were successfully passed adding to the body of legislation that would guide the country’s national development.

Again, 78 statements on various subjects were taken, some of them being referred to the relevant committees for further consideration and report to the House for deliberation and decision-making.