Parliament resumes sitting with 2027 Budget and Anti-Gay Bill expected on agenda

Parliament is set to resume proceedings today, Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for the Third Meeting of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament of the Fourth Republic, with major economic and legislative issues expected to feature prominently.

A key item on the agenda will be preparations for the 2027 financial year, particularly the presentation and scrutiny of the government's proposed fiscal policies and expenditure plans.

The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, is scheduled to present the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to the House on November 12.

The budget is expected to outline the government's economic priorities, revenue and expenditure projections, fiscal targets and policy measures for the coming year. It will also provide details of the administration's approach to addressing economic challenges, sustaining growth, managing public debt and improving the living conditions of Ghanaians.

Following the presentation, Members of Parliament are expected to undertake a detailed examination of the proposals, with parliamentary committees reviewing allocations to ministries, departments and agencies under their respective jurisdictions.

The exercise will allow lawmakers to assess the government's spending priorities, scrutinise proposed allocations and make recommendations before the House considers the Appropriation Bill.

The passage of the bill will be particularly important as it will authorise the government to withdraw funds from the Consolidated Fund to finance approved public expenditure for the 2027 financial year.

Apart from the budget, the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, popularly known as the Anti-Gay Bill, is also expected to attract attention during the meeting.

The proposed legislation has generated considerable debate both locally and internationally, drawing varied positions from political actors, religious organisations, civil society groups 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 such issues.

Supporters of the bill maintain that it is necessary to safeguard Ghanaian cultural and family values, while opponents have expressed concerns about its implications for human rights and the potential legal consequences of its provisions.

The handling of the proposed legislation is therefore expected to attract renewed public interest as Parliament begins its latest meeting.