Alban Bagbin Sets New Parliamentary Schedule and Budget Date
Speaker Alban Bagbin directed that plenary sittings begin at 2:00 p.m. and scheduled the 2027 Budget presentation for November 12.
Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin directed that plenary sittings begin at 2:00 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday, reserving morning hours for parliamentary committee work. Issued under Orders 5 and 55 of the Standing Orders, the new schedule aims to eliminate inconsistent start times and provide a predictable timetable for members of Parliament, government ministers, and the public.
Bagbin noted that the shift allows ministers to attend to executive duties in the morning and enables more citizens to follow proceedings via online platforms and Parliament TV. This directive follows a failed 2025 attempt to implement afternoon sittings, which was reversed due to health and security concerns. Ordinary sittings will maintain a five-hour duration, typically concluding at 7:00 p.m.
As a specific exception to this schedule, Bagbin approved a request from Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson to present the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 12. Parliament will adjust its sitting arrangements for that day to accommodate the evening presentation and prevent member fatigue. The upcoming budget is expected to outline government expenditure plans, revenue projections, and job creation measures, while business stakeholders are calling for policies to reduce the cost of doing business and increase credit access.
