Finance Minister to present 2026 mid-year budget review on July 23
The Minister for Finance is scheduled to present the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review and Economic Policy Statement to Parliament on Thursday, July 23, with lawmakers expected to begin debating the statement the following day.
Debate on the review will continue through the weekend, with the Minority and Majority Leaders expected to conclude proceedings on Monday, July 27.
To accommodate the packed legislative agenda, Parliament will hold an additional sitting on Saturday, July 25, to enable Members to continue deliberations on the budget review and dispose of outstanding business before the House.
Majority Leader and Chairman of the Business Committee, Mahama Ayariga, announced the programme while presenting the Business Statement for the Tenth Week ending Saturday, July 25, to Parliament.
He explained that the decision to convene the House on a Saturday was necessitated by the volume of business awaiting consideration and the limited time available during the regular sitting days.
Mr Ayariga, therefore, appealed to Members of Parliament to make themselves available to ensure the smooth execution of the week's legislative programme.
Beyond the Mid-Year Budget Review, Parliament is expected to consider a number of legislative and oversight activities during the week.
Four ministers are scheduled to appear before the House to respond to a total of 25 oral questions from Members of Parliament.
The Minister for Health is expected to answer 10 questions, while the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources will respond to nine. The Ministers for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, and Sports and Recreation will each answer three oral questions.
According to the Business Committee, no urgent questions have been listed for the week.
The House is also expected to receive ministerial statements on government policies, while the Speaker may permit Members to make statements in accordance with the Standing Orders.
In addition, bills may be introduced for first reading, with urgent legislation capable of being taken through all the required stages in a single day where necessary. Papers are also expected to be laid before Parliament, committee reports presented for consideration, and motions debated together with any consequential resolutions.
Mr Ayariga also expressed concern over the growing backlog of referrals pending before parliamentary committees.
He disclosed that 486 referrals are currently awaiting consideration by 27 committees and urged committee chairpersons and members to expedite work on the outstanding matters to improve Parliament's efficiency.