Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has outlined seven key legislative items that should be prioritized during the remaining time of the 8th Parliament’s term.
At the top of his agenda is the Expenditure in Advance of Appropriation Bill, 2024, which will cover the first three months of 2025 for the incoming government. Next, he calls for the passage of the Environmental Protection Bill, 2024, and the Boundary Commission Bill, 2024.
Other important items include the Social Protection Bill, 2023, the Parliament Transition Bill, 2023, the Parliamentary Service Bill, 2024, and several Public Accounts Committee reports.
The Parliament Transition Bill and the Parliamentary Service Bill are particularly crucial as they aim to streamline the processes for the peaceful transfer of parliamentary administration and management.
The Speaker stressed the need for legislation that defines the procedures for transitioning from one Parliament to another, to prevent the challenges faced at the start of the 8th Parliament. He cited the Presidential Transition Act, 2012, as a model for the Executive branch of government.
In his opening address at the Seventh Meeting of the 4th Session of the 8th Parliament on December 16, 2024, Speaker Bagbin acknowledged that a number of vital private and public bills, financial requisitions, international agreements, and committee reports remain under consideration.
However, he noted the time constraints, stating, “Unfortunately, the season and time are not in favor of a heavy work schedule as detailed on the Order Paper.”
He concluded by emphasizing the need for realism in prioritizing parliamentary business: “Unless we abandon the interests of the people and the nation, it is impossible to complete the long list of government business before the 8th Parliament concludes its term.”
