Alban Bagbin urges MPs to prioritize national interest over partisan politics

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has called on lawmakers to rise above partisan affiliations and focus on the collective expectations of the Ghanaian people as Parliament reconvenes for the Third Meeting of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament. In his opening address on November 3, 2026, the Speaker emphasized that the eight-week session would be critical for democratic governance, requiring members to conduct their duties with integrity, objectivity, and a strict adherence to the 1992 Constitution.

A primary focus of this session is the presentation of the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy, scheduled to be delivered by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson on November 12. This financial roadmap will outline the government’s fiscal priorities for the coming year, leading to extensive debates on the Appropriation Bill. Alongside financial matters, the House is set to revisit the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill. Speaker Bagbin confirmed that the bill will undergo further consideration to address previous amendments and concerns, reflecting ongoing national and international dialogues on human rights and cultural values.

Speaker Bagbin also issued a stern warning against the practice of fast-tracking legislation by frequently suspending Standing Orders. He insisted that thorough legislative scrutiny must take precedence over speed, urging ministers and parliamentary committees to collaborate more effectively for better bill management. This call for diligence was echoed in his recent remarks to the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana, where he criticized repeated financial irregularities in public institutions and urged professionals to resist undue pressure that compromises public accountability.

The Minority Caucus has indicated it will use the 28-day sitting period to demand transparency on several high-profile issues, including the expenditures related to the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa following xenophobic attacks and recent narcotics seizures. These demands for accountability align with broader discussions on public financial management highlighted at the African Organisation of Public Accounts Committees (AFROPAC) conference, where leaders called for stronger enforcement of audit recommendations to protect public resources. The session is also expected to touch on constitutional reforms and digital advancements intended to modernize parliamentary operations.