Parliament introduces Monday and Saturday sittings to clear the backlog

Parliament will begin extended sittings from Monday, July 7, 2025, as the House moves to complete pending legislative business ahead of its scheduled adjournment on Saturday, July 12.

The announcement was made by the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, when he presented the Business Statement for the seventh week on the floor of the House.

He explained that the additional sittings, including on Mondays and Saturdays, will help speed up the processing of Legislative Instruments (LIs) that must mature before the end of the session.

Mr Ayariga, who also chairs the Business Committee, said the coming week will be packed with ministerial appearances. Fifty-five ministers of state, along with the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama, are expected to respond to questions from legislators.

He added that new bills may be introduced and, if considered urgent, could be passed through all the required stages in one sitting, as permitted under Standing Order 160.

He also noted that Papers could be laid and committee reports presented for consideration.

“Motions may be debated and their consequential resolutions, if any, taken during the week,” Mr Ayariga said. “In accordance with Standing Order 216(2) and subject to Standing Order 67, the Committee submits to the House the order in which business shall be taken.”

During discussions on the Business Statement, the Minority Leader, Mr Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, called on the Majority Leader to include a briefing from the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Mrs Jean Mensa, regarding the rerun of parliamentary elections in 19 polling stations within the Ablekuma North Constituency.

Parliament’s decision to extend its sitting days comes at a time of growing public interest in the passage of legislative instruments and increased scrutiny of electoral processes, particularly as the House nears the end of its current meeting.