Hon. Maxwell Kwame Lukutor Accounts to South Tongu Assembly
Thursday, September 4, 2025
The Member of Parliament for South Tongu, Hon. Maxwell Kwame Lukutor, has presented an account of his work in Parliament and in the constituency during the 2nd Ordinary Meeting of the 2nd Session of the 9th Assembly of the South Tongu District Assembly.
In his briefing, the MP touched on key legislative work undertaken by Parliament this year, highlighting significant bills that have been passed, including the landmark GOLDBOD Law, the Fisheries Bill, and the Energy Sector Levies Bill. He also informed the Assembly that the Ghana Scholarships Authority Bill is currently under consideration, which, when passed, will decentralize the operations of the Scholarship Secretariat to better serve students at the district level.
Hon. Lukutor also reflected on changes in Parliamentary leadership, noting the emergence of Hon. Mahama Ayariga and Hon. Rockson-Nelson Etse Dafeamekpor as key figures on the Majority side. He further updated members on the recent adjournment of Parliament and its scheduled resumption date.
On his constituency engagements, the MP recounted collaborative work done with the Municipal Chief Executive to address developmental needs. He mentioned interventions in education, including payment of school fees for needy students and the introduction of a scholarship scheme for health-related students, which is under active consideration. In addition, ten students have been awarded sponsorship packages of GHC 10,000 each to support their academic pursuits.
Touching on infrastructure, Hon. Lukutor announced that about 130 survey and mapping students will soon arrive in the district to undertake proper layout works in communities such as Hlevi and some selected Senior High Schools in South Tongu.
The MP assured the Assembly of his continuous commitment to effective representation in Parliament and to ensuring that development projects in education, infrastructure, and livelihood empowerment are prioritized for the benefit of the people of South Tongu.
ACCOUNTS ON ACTIVITIES IN PARLIAMENT BY HON. MAXWELL LUKUTOR
First Meeting, First Session (January 7 – March 29, 2025)
• Duration & Sittings
The Ninth Parliament held 43 sittings over 11 weeks, carrying out its constitutional functions of legislation, oversight, representation, and deliberation .
• Bills Introduced & Passed
• 18 Bills were presented, including major legislation like the Electronic Transfer Levy (Repeal) Bill, Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, Appropriation Bill, and the Ghana Gold Board Bill.
• Parliament passed 16 of the 18, among them the Ghana Gold Board Bill .
• Key Legal Instruments & Reports
• The Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025 was introduced .
• Four annual reports presented included reports on the Petroleum Funds (2024), AU Import Levy (2024), District Assemblies Common Fund (2023), and Staffing of the Presidency (2024) .
• 72 Committee reports were adopted .
• Considered the Auditor-General’s Report on the Bank of Ghana’s FX receipts/payments (H1 2024) .
• Appointments & Oversight
• The 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy was presented on March 11 by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, followed by passage of the Appropriation Bill .
• 56 ministerial nominees were vetted and approved, though the process was marked by disruptions that led to the suspension of four MPs .
• Other Parliamentary Business
• 134 motions were adopted, 52 questions asked and answered, 94 statements made, and 14 communications received from the President’s Office .
• 73 committee meetings took place .
• Leadership changes included appointment of Majority and Minority frontbench MPs .
• Parliament adjourned sine die on March 29, 2025.
Second Meeting, First Session (From May 27, 2025)
• Resumption
Parliament reconvened on May 27, 2025, with business resuming including bill consideration and committee work .
Legislative Achievements & Developments (May – Early August)
• Key Legislation Passed (during Second Meeting)
• Fisheries & Aquaculture Bill, 2025
• Road Maintenance Trust Fund Bill, 2025
• Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2025 and Energy Sector Levies Bill, 2025
• Ghana Medical Trust Fund Bill, 2025
• Social Protection Bill, 2025
• University for Development Studies Bill, 2025
• Public Holidays & Commemorative Days Bill, 2025
• Ghana Scholarships Authority Bill, 2025 remains under consideration .
• Adjournment
Parliament adjourned sine die on August 2, 2025.
Other Notable Highlights
• Debt Relief Deal Approved
Parliament approved a $2.8 billion debt relief package with 25 creditor nations, facilitating continued support under the IMF bailout program and easing Ghana’s economic burden .
• Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill Reintroduced
Lawmakers reintroduced a controversial anti-LGBTQ+ bill, proposing harsher penalties and criminalizing support of LGBTQ+ activities—drawing domestic and international criticism, particularly from human rights groups and financial institutions.
In Summary (January – Early August 2025):
Major Highlights
1. Jan–Mar
43 sittings; 16/18 bills passed; 2025 Budget; ministerial vetting; committee reports; adjourned March 29
2. May–Aug
Reconvened May 27; passed 8 major bills; adjourned August 2
Throughout.
Source: Dela Radio, Adidome