Parliament reverts sittings time to 10 a.m.
Parliament has rescinded its decision to commence parliamentary business at 2 p.m.
Per a business statement to be read at the start of the Third Meeting of the First Session of Ninth Parliament at 2 p.m. today proceedings will now start at 10 a.m.
The decision to revert to the usual sitting time was based on concerns over health and security risks the 2 p.m. sittings posed to members and staff of Parliament as well as visitors and students who commuted long distances to observe proceedings .
Per the business statement, ending Friday, October 25, this year the introduction of the commencement of sittings at 2 p.m. with the aim of improving members’ participation in the conduct of parliamentary business had not been very successful.
“Additionally, commencing sittings at p.m. mostly resulted in the late adjournment of the House,” the statement said.
In view of the concern raised, the Business Committee, chaired by the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, proposed that the House reverted to commencing sittings at 10 a.m. subject to review when needed.
The House decided to change sittings time from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the previous meeting to allow members, especially ministers to state to participate in proceedings of the House.
However, in the course of time, it was observed that late sitting time from 2 p.m. discouraged active participation in the House’s business, with the Minority often raising issues of quorum for the House to adjourn sittings for lack of the needed one-third presence of MPs for business to commence.
The Third Meeting of the First Session of the Ninth Parliament is expected to be one of the busiest in the year.
Members are to consider the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government, along with budget estimates of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) and financial bills before Parliament rises for the Christmas break.
The Business Statement also outlines other activities for the week, including formal communications from the Speaker, ministerial and Members’ statements, and the presentation and consideration of Bills, Papers, and Committee reports in accordance with the Standing Orders
