Parliament will begin extended sittings from Tuesday, 18th March 2025 to ensure that the business scheduled for the tenth week ending Friday 21st, March 2025 is exhausted as MPs are set to commence debate on the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of Government on the same day tomorrow.
Presenting the business statement for the week under discussion, the majority leader Mahama Ayariga has asked Members to take note that “during the Eleventh Week, given the limited time and the volume of work in respect of the consideration of the Annual Budget Estimates and to pass the Appropriation Bill by the end of March, the House is scheduled to sit on Mondays commencing on Monday, 24th March, 2025”.
He said, The House would also extend Sitting beyond the prescribed Sitting hours and, “committees are also urged to sit in the mornings as plenary Sittings will commence at 12 noon”.
“According to Order 195(3) the Business Committee has programmed commentary on the Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government commence on Tuesday, 18th and end on Monday, 24th March, 2025.
Accordingly, the Business Committee, recommends the following time allotments for contributions by Hon Members:
- Majority Leader & Minority Leader – 45 minutes
- Other Leaders – 30 minutes
iii. Ministers – 15 minutes
- Chairpersons & Ranking Members of Committees – 15 minutes
- Vice Chairperson & Deputy Ranking Members – 10 minutes
vii. Other Hon Members – 5 minutes
By Edzorna Francis Mensah