Parliament resumes today as 2027 Budget and Anti-Gay Bill top agenda

Parliament is expected to resume sitting today, Tuesday, November 3, for the Third Meeting of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament of the Fourth Republic, with key legislative and national policy matters expected to dominate proceedings.

The meeting is expected to be significant as the House prepares to consider major fiscal proposals for the 2027 financial year, alongside other legislative matters with implications for the country’s governance and development.

One of the major highlights 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 presentation is expected to outline the government’s economic priorities, revenue and expenditure projections, fiscal targets and policy interventions for the coming year.

It will also provide an indication of the government’s plans to address economic challenges, sustain growth, manage public debt and improve the living conditions of Ghanaians.

Following the presentation, Members of Parliament are expected to scrutinise the proposed budget, with parliamentary committees examining allocations to ministries, departments and agencies under their respective jurisdictions.

The process will allow lawmakers to assess government spending priorities, question proposed allocations and make recommendations before the House considers and approves the Appropriation Bill.

The passage of the Appropriation Bill will be a crucial part of the meeting, as it will provide the legal authority for the government to withdraw funds from the Consolidated Fund to finance approved public expenditure for the 2027 financial year.

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

The proposed legislation has remained a subject of intense national and international debate, attracting attention from political actors, religious organisations, civil society groups and human rights advocates.

Its possible return to the parliamentary agenda is expected to renew discussions about Ghana’s position on sexual orientation, family values, human rights and the legislative process.

Proponents of the bill argue that it is necessary to protect Ghanaian cultural and family values, while critics have raised concerns about its human rights implications and potential legal consequences.

Lawmakers are therefore expected to face renewed public scrutiny over how the proposed legislation will be handled during the meeting.

With the 2027 Budget presentation and other major legislative matters ahead, the Third Meeting is expected to be an important period for parliamentary debate, scrutiny and decision-making.