The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has indefinitely postponed the opening of the third meeting of the first session of the 9th Parliament, originally scheduled for October 14, 2025.

In an official statement, Speaker Bagbin explained that the deferment is due to circumstances beyond his control, adding that a new date for the reconvening of Parliament will be announced in due course.

The House had gone on recess on August 1, 2025, after weeks of intense legislative activity that saw the passage of several important bills, the approval of international agreements, and robust debates on national issues.

What to Expect When Parliament Resumes

The upcoming meeting of Parliament is expected to be a crucial session, as it will center on the presentation of the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy. Lawmakers will also consider and approve budget estimates for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), leading to the passage of the Appropriation Act.

Additionally, two new Members of Parliament are expected to be sworn in following by-elections held after the deaths of their predecessors:

• Bernard Bediako (Akwatia Constituency) – replacing the late Ernest Kumi.
• Prof. Alidu Seidu (Tamale Central) – succeeding the late Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.

Their swearing-in will mark a bittersweet moment — symbolizing continuity in representation while mourning the loss of two legislators.

Pending Bills and Legislative Agenda

Several legislative instruments that did not mature before the recess are expected to be re-laid when the House reconvenes. Among these is the Ghana Scholarships Authority Bill, which previously attracted criticism from educators and policy think tanks.

The meeting will also feature debates on economic recovery strategies, public finance management, and oversight of government programs.

Parliament is expected to address:

• Committee reports on governance and development issues.
• The Minority’s request for government to present the U.S. deportee deal for parliamentary ratification.
• Other key matters of national and international interest.

Highlights from the Last Sitting

During the last parliamentary meeting, the Minister for Finance presented the Mid-Year Budget Review, which sparked heated debates and drew strong criticism from the Minority Caucus.

That session was marked by:

• Protests and walkouts by Minority MPs.
• Disputes over the use of the Dispatch Box by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin.
• Contentious exchanges on delegations to ECOWAS and Pan-African Parliaments.

In total, 13 bills were passed, while some were suspended or withdrawn. The Speaker and Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga also condemned absenteeism and lateness among MPs, urging members to take their legislative duties seriously.

Outlook

As Parliament prepares for the third meeting of the first session of the 9th Parliament, expectations are high for intense debates on the 2026 Budget, economic recovery measures, and transparency in public spending.

The upcoming session is likely to set the tone for Ghana’s fiscal direction heading into 2026, as lawmakers deliberate on critical policies affecting governance, social welfare, and national development.