Accra: Mr Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader in Parliament, has described the media as the 'lifeblood of democracy,' commending the Parliamentary Press Corps for their dedicated coverage of parliamentary proceedings during the Third Meeting of the First Session of the Ninth Parliament.
According to Ghana News Agency, during the closing ceremony of the meeting on Friday, Mr Afenyo-Markin, who is also the NPP Member of Parliament for Effutu, praised the journalists for their professionalism and commitment. He noted that their work ensured transparency and kept citizens informed about the activities of the legislature. The Minority Leader urged Members of Parliament to use the recess period to attend to their health, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's health condition for effective treatment.
Mr Afenyo-Markin underscored the significance of wellness for effective service delivery, encouraging his colleagues to undergo medical check-ups before the next session resumed. He also expressed concern over alleged plans to remove him and being summoned before the Privileges Committee for purportedly disobeying a parliamentary resolution regarding Ghana's representation at the ECOWAS Parliament.
He stated that he currently serves as the Third Deputy Speaker at the ECOWAS Parliament, with his tenure running until 2028, maintaining that 'no one can remove me.' The Minority Leader's remarks marked the end of the Third Meeting of the First Session, which involved extensive debates and legislative business before Parliament adjourned for the Christmas recess.
Parliament adjourned sine die on Friday, December 19, 2025, concluding the Third Meeting of the First Session of the Ninth Parliament after 35 sittings held over nine weeks. This adjournment brings to a close weeks of deliberations, debates, and legislative work where Members of Parliament considered various motions, bills, and reports.
During this period, the House engaged in extensive discussions on national policy matters, scrutinized government proposals, and exercised its oversight responsibilities across various sectors. Mr Afenyo-Markin emphasized the importance of collaboration across the political divide to ensure that Parliament remains a strong pillar of Ghana's democracy.
The adjournment sine die means the House will reconvene at the start of the next meeting in the new year, with fresh business expected to be tabled for consideration.