Ghana must prepare for new Parliamentary Chamber – Bagbin

Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has renewed calls for the construction of a new and spacious parliamentary chamber to accommodate Ghana’s growing legislature.

The Speaker expressed concern over the current chamber’s limited capacity during Tuesday’s sitting, following the swearing-in of two newly elected Members of Parliament — Professor Seidu Alidu for Tamale Central and Bernard Bediako for Akwatia — which brings the total number of MPs to 276.

“We are happy now to have the full complement of the House. We now have 276 MPs. Please, the number is no longer 275. We have 276,” Mr. Bagbin announced.

He warned that the continuous increase in parliamentary membership was exerting pressure on the existing structure, potentially affecting its safety and functionality.

“Anytime the number increases, we have to create space for the member. So please, before this number increases, you must, as a country, as a republic, start looking for a proper place. If not, the integrity of this structure is being undermined — a word to the wise is enough,” he cautioned.

The Speaker’s remarks come amid renewed discussions on the need for a modern parliamentary complex that meets international standards and accommodates future growth in legislative representation.

Currently, the Majority Caucus — composed of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and four independent MPs — holds 189 seats, while the Minority has 87.

Parliament reconvened on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, for the Third Meeting of the First Session of the Ninth Parliament. The session, the last for the legislative year, is expected to be eventful, with the presentation of the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy by the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, scheduled for mid-November.

The Appointments Committee is also set to vet Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, who has been nominated for the position of Chief Justice.