The ninth parliament of Ghana was formally inaugurated.

A new legislative session has begun with the official inauguration of the Fourth Republic of Ghana's 9th Parliament.

The historic ceremony was held at Parliament House in Accra in the early hours of Tuesday, January 7, 2025, after the 8th Parliament was dissolved at midnight.

Gertrude Torkornoo, the Chief Justice, administered the oath of office to Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the recently re-elected Speaker of Parliament. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) renominated Bagbin, the former Speaker of the 8th Parliament, and he was overwhelmingly supported by Parliamentarians.

Given his wealth of experience in the position, his reelection marks a turning point in the nation's democratic history. With the exception of the representative from the Ablekuma North constituency, Bagbin formally oversaw the 275 Members of Parliament-elect's oath-taking ceremony after his swearing-in.

A new legislative period began with the swearing-in event, which was attended by dignitaries, friends, and family. For Ghana's Parliament, it was a very historic moment that reflected the new political climate that emerged after the general elections in 2024.

The NDC kept its leadership group for the upcoming Parliament after gaining a majority in the 2024 parliamentary elections, taking 183 seats out of 276. The leadership group of the NDC consists of:

* Majority Leader: Cassiel Ato Forson (MP for Ajumako Enyan Essiam)

* Deputy Majority Leader: Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP for Ellembelle)

* Majority Chief Whip: Governs Kwame Agbodza (MP for Adaklu)

* Deputy Majority Chief Whip: Ahmed Ibrahim (MP for Banda)

Although the swearing-in ceremony went smoothly, a legal issue pertaining to the Akwatia parliamentary seat tainted the occasion. The Koforidua High Court maintained an order that barred Ernest Kumi, the Akwatia candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), from running for office as the next member of parliament. Additionally, the Clerk of Parliament was prohibited from swearing him in by the injunction.

This legal dispute started when Henry Boakye Yiadom, the NDC's candidate, filed a petition alleging irregularities in the elections held on December 7, 2024, against Ernest Kumi, the Clerk of Parliament, and the Electoral Commission. On January 2, 2025, the court issued the injunction, preventing Kumi from being sworn in.

Gary Nimako Marfo, the NPP's attorney, argued that the injunction was unlawfully filed and asked the court to reject the motion, citing the 21-day window after the election results are gazetted as the deadline for contesting them. The injunction is still in effect pending additional proceedings, notwithstanding the NPP's claims.

Following the court decision, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin stated that Ernest Kumi was prepared to take part in the swearing-in ceremony and the Speaker's following election, even if it meant incurring legal repercussions.

Clerk Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, however, stressed that it would be against the court's order to for Kumi to take part in the swearing-in event.