Parliament resumes with 2027 Budget, Anti-Gay Bill and Appropriation Bill in focus

Parliament is set to reconvene on Tuesday, November 3, for the Third Meeting of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament of the Fourth Republic, with the 2027 national budget and pending legislative proposals expected to feature prominently. The meeting comes at a critical time as the House prepares to consider the government’s fiscal programme for the 2027 financial year, alongside other matters relating to national governance and policy direction.

A key item on the parliamentary calendar will be the presentation of the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson on November 12. The budget is expected to set out the government’s economic agenda for the coming year, including projected revenue, planned expenditure, fiscal targets and policy measures. It will also indicate the government’s approach to addressing prevailing economic difficulties, promoting economic growth, managing public debt and improving the welfare of citizens.

After the presentation, MPs will begin a detailed assessment of the proposed fiscal plan, with parliamentary committees reviewing budgetary allocations to ministries, departments and agencies under their respective oversight. The exercise will allow lawmakers to evaluate the government’s expenditure priorities, interrogate proposed allocations and submit recommendations before the House considers the Appropriation Bill.

The bill, once passed, will authorise the withdrawal of funds from the Consolidated Fund to meet approved government expenditure during the 2027 financial year. Anti-Gay Bill Beyond the budget, the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, popularly referred to as the Anti-Gay Bill, is also expected to attract attention during the meeting. The proposed legislation has generated considerable debate locally and internationally, drawing reactions from politicians, religious institutions, civil society organisations and human rights advocates.

A possible return of the bill to the parliamentary agenda could revive discussions on sexual orientation, Ghanaian cultural and family values, human rights and the constitutional implications of the proposed law. Supporters of the legislation maintain that it is intended to safeguard Ghana’s cultural identity and traditional family values. However, opponents have questioned its compatibility with human rights protections and raised concerns about its possible legal implications.

The handling of the bill is therefore likely to attract considerable public attention as Parliament resumes its legislative business.