The legislative body of the Government of Ghana is the Parliament of Ghana. The history of legislative representation in Ghana traces back to 1950 during the period when the country was known as the Gold Coast under British colonial rule.
Initially named the Legislative Council, this body served in an advisory capacity, with the Governor exercising both legislative and executive powers. Although reforms were introduced in 1916 and 1925, the Governor's authority remained significant.
In 1946, a new constitution was implemented, allowing an unofficial member of the Legislative Council to assume the role of president, separating this position from the Governor. This arrangement persisted until 1951 when Sir Emmanuel Charles Quist became the first Speaker elected by the Legislature.
The year 1951 marked the introduction of elections based on universal suffrage, leading to a victory for the Convention People's Party (CPP) led by Kwame Nkrumah. Nkrumah, who became the first Prime Minister in 1952, played a crucial role in Ghana's journey to independence on March 6, 1957, while still recognizing the British monarch as the head of state. The Legislative Assembly was subsequently renamed the National Assembly.
In 1960, Ghana officially became a republic under a new constitution, with Kwame Nkrumah serving as the President. The country transitioned to a one-party state in 1964 following a referendum. However, Nkrumah was ousted in 1966 by the military, leading to the dissolution of political parties and the National Assembly.
Civilian rule was reinstated in 1969, with the Progress Party winning the elections. Subsequent years saw changes in political leadership, including military interventions and the introduction of a new constitution in 1992. The presidential elections in 1992 resulted in Jerry Rawlings becoming the President, and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) securing a majority in Parliament.
Ghana's parliamentary elections, following the adoption of a new constitution, use a simple majority (First Past the Post) system with 275 single-member constituencies. The Speaker, presiding over Parliament, is nominated by the majority party after a general election.
As of the present, Prof. Aaron Mike Ocquaye is the Speaker, assisted by the First Deputy Speaker, Joseph Osei Owusu, and the Second Deputy Speaker, Alban Bagbin. The Majority Leader is Osei Kyei-Mensah Bonsu, while the Minority Leader is Haruna Iddrisu. The history of Speakers in the National Assembly and Parliament is outlined from the Gold Coast era to the current Fourth Republic.