Bagbin announces 2pm start for parliamentary sittings from Tuesday to Friday

Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has directed that plenary sittings begin at 1400 hours from Tuesday to Friday, in a move aimed at improving punctuality, discipline, efficiency and participation in parliamentary proceedings.

The directive, communicated to the House on Tuesday, was issued in accordance with Orders 5 and 55 of Parliament's Standing Orders.

Mr Bagbin explained that the revised schedule would give parliamentary committees the opportunity to undertake their work in the mornings while allowing ministers and government officials adequate time to attend to their official responsibilities before joining proceedings in the chamber.

He said the arrangement was also intended to make parliamentary sittings more accessible to the public by establishing a consistent and predictable timetable for legislative business.

The Speaker consequently instructed the Clerk to Parliament to notify all ministers and relevant government officials of the new schedule to ensure their compliance and participation in proceedings.

He, however, noted that the House could convene outside the prescribed hours when necessary, particularly to accommodate important national assignments.

As an example, Mr Bagbin indicated that the presentation of the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of Government, scheduled for Thursday, November 12, could begin at 1800 hours rather than the regular sitting time.

He expressed optimism that the revised timetable would strengthen accountability, transparency and responsiveness in Parliament, urging MPs and other stakeholders to support its implementation for more effective legislative governance.