Speaker Bagbin says 2027 budget presentation may begin at 6pm on Thursday

Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has indicated that the presentation of the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of Government on Thursday, November 12, could begin at 1800 hours instead of the newly approved sitting time of 1400 hours.

His announcement followed a question from the Member of Parliament for Tolon, Habib Iddrisu, who sought clarification on the implementation of the Speaker's directive requiring parliamentary sittings to commence at 1400 hours from Tuesday to Friday.

Mr Bagbin explained that although the revised schedule would take immediate effect, Parliament could adjust its sitting hours when necessary to accommodate important national assignments, including the presentation of the national budget.

The Speaker said the change in sitting times aimed to improve efficiency, punctuality, discipline and participation in parliamentary proceedings.

The directive, issued under Orders 5 and 55 of Parliament's Standing Orders, was communicated to the House on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.

He explained that beginning plenary sittings at 1400 hours would allow parliamentary committees to conduct their activities in the mornings while giving ministers and government officials sufficient time to attend to their official responsibilities before joining proceedings.

Mr Bagbin added that the arrangement would make parliamentary business more accessible to the public by establishing a consistent and predictable timetable for sittings.

He also instructed the Clerk to Parliament to formally communicate the directive to all ministers and relevant government officials to ensure their compliance and participation in House proceedings.

The Speaker expressed confidence that the revised schedule would promote accountability, responsiveness and transparency in Parliament, urging MPs and other stakeholders to support its implementation to strengthen legislative governance.