Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson is expected to present the government’s 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 12.
The 6 pm schedule follows a request for an evening presentation by the Finance Minister, which the Speaker approved.
Mr Bagbin disclosed this during proceedings in Parliament on Tuesday, where he explained that the House would adjust its sitting schedule to accommodate the Finance Minister’s request.
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According to the Speaker, Dr Forson had presented reasons for seeking an evening presentation, which he considered reasonable and subsequently approved.
“There’s a request, which I granted the Minister for Finance, that the budget, which is to be presented on Thursday, be presented in the evening. And he gave good reasons why he wants it to be presented in the evening,” Mr Bagbin told the House.
He indicated that Parliament could begin sitting at about 6:00 p.m. to ensure that MPs are adequately prepared for the Finance Minister’s appearance.
The Speaker explained that the adjustment is necessary to prevent MPs from sitting for extended periods before the presentation, which could leave them fatigued by the time the Finance Minister arrives.
The decision, he said, is consistent with his authority under Order 55(4) of Parliament’s Standing Orders, which allows him to direct the House to sit outside its ordinary prescribed period, depending on the nature, volume or urgency of parliamentary business.
Mr Bagbin had earlier announced a new arrangement fixing the ordinary commencement time of parliamentary sittings at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
He, however, stressed that the new arrangement would not prevent the Speaker from making adjustments when circumstances required.
The 2027 Budget presentation is expected to outline the government’s economic priorities, revenue and expenditure projections, fiscal measures and policy interventions for the coming financial year.
The evening arrangement will therefore require Parliament to depart from its ordinary sitting schedule to accommodate the presentation.