Parliament resumes sitting today

Parliament is expected to reconvene today, Tuesday, November 3, for the Third Meeting of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament of the Fourth Republic.

The House is expected to deliberate on a range of legislative and national policy issues, with preparations for the 2027 financial year expected to feature prominently.

A major item on the parliamentary calendar will be the presentation of the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy by the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, scheduled for November 12.

The budget is expected to set out the government’s economic priorities for the coming year, including its revenue and expenditure projections, fiscal targets and proposed policy measures.

It is also expected to outline the administration’s plans to address economic challenges, sustain growth, manage public debt and improve living conditions.

Following the presentation, Members of Parliament will begin scrutinising the proposals, with parliamentary committees expected to examine budgetary allocations to ministries, departments and agencies under their respective oversight.

The exercise will allow lawmakers to assess the government’s spending plans, question proposed allocations and make recommendations ahead of the consideration and approval of the Appropriation Bill.

The passage of the bill will be a key part of the process, as it will authorise the government to withdraw funds from the Consolidated Fund to finance approved expenditure for the 2027 financial year.

Beyond the budget, the House is also expected to revisit the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, widely known as the Anti-Gay Bill.

The proposed legislation has generated considerable debate in Ghana and internationally, drawing strong interest from politicians, religious groups, civil society organisations and human rights advocates.

Its possible return to the parliamentary agenda could reignite discussions on sexual orientation, family values, human rights and the role of Parliament in shaping legislation on the subject.

Supporters of the bill have argued that it is necessary to protect Ghanaian cultural and family values.

However, critics have raised concerns about its potential impact on human rights and the legal implications of its provisions.

The handling of the bill is therefore expected to attract renewed public attention as lawmakers begin the Third Meeting.

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