Parliament adjourned sine die for the Christmas and New Year break in the early hours of Saturday after passing the Appropriation Bill for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024.

The Third Meeting of the Third Session of the Eighth Parliament, which began on October 31, was initially scheduled to adjourn sine die on December 22 for the Christmas festivities. However, the all-night sitting extended into the early hours of Saturday, December 23.

Prior to recess, one of the Bills being considered by the House was the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values bill also known as the LGBTQ Bill.

This bill has been debated on for close to three years after being sent to Parliament by some eight MPs including Ningo-Prampram MP, Sam Nartey George in 2021.

Speaker Bagbin reassured the public that the bill would be passed before Parliament adjourns for the Christmas and New Year break.

“I know that nobody in this House is opposed to the bill and I know the bill will see the light of day before we rise because the people of Ghana are expecting us to pass the bill before we go on recess. Failure to do so will have serious consequences on members as they want to advance in their political careers," he said.

Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, in his closing remarks, delivered on his behalf by Mr Joseph Osei-Owusu, the First Deputy Speaker, reminded the Members of Parliament (MPs) of their role as ambassadors of Parliamentary democracy in their communities.

They would, therefore, be expected to engage in local Parliamentary diplomacy to strengthen the relationship between Parliament and the citizens, he said.

He urged them to prioritise their safety and be mindful of their surroundings, while ensuring a peaceful and secure Christmas for all.

Mr Babgin advised them to use the Christmas season to reflect on the meaning and significance of the birth of Christ.

Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, extended his greatest appreciation to the MPs for devoting themselves to the business of the House in the discharge of their constitutional mandates.

“Incontrovertibly, Members had worked tirelessly and diligently during this meeting, particularly during the consideration of the sectorial Budget Estimates for the 2024 Financial Year,” he said.

“Mr Speaker, your commitment and dedication to your constitutional mandate in steering the affairs of the House is not lost on me,” the Majority Leader stressed.

He urged Members of the House to take time off their busy schedules to rest during the recess and get themselves energised and refreshed for business in the First Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Fourth Republic.