The Majority Leader, Honourable James Agalga has indicated that President John Dramani Mahama is expected to assent to the Family Values Bill in due course, signalling the government’s intention to bring the legislative process surrounding the controversial bill to a conclusion.
He made the assurance while outlining Parliament’s legislative agenda for its 28-day third meeting, during which the bill is expected to receive attention.
“That bill would be dealt with once and for all, and I want to assure you the President will sign the bill into law in due course.”
Honourable James Agalga
He also explained that the House would consider several constitutional amendment bills following the completion of work by the Constitutional Review Committee. Some of the proposed amendments, he noted, would concern entrenched constitutional provisions, while others would relate to non-entrenched provisions.
The Majority Leader further indicated that Parliament would examine legislation at different stages of consideration, including the Parliament Transition Bill, 2026, and a bill seeking to amend the Parliament Act. Both, he noted, have reached the second-reading stage.
In outlining the government’s legislative approach, the Member of Parliament for Builsa North rejected suggestions that Parliament intends to “fundamentally alter bills” previously considered by the House. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that amendments could become necessary where human rights provisions and constitutional provisions required proper alignment.
Parliament passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill on May 29, 2026, following amendments that generated debate between the Majority and Minority Caucuses.
Honourable Mahama Ayariga defended the changes, particularly provisions exempting journalists, lawyers and health professionals from certain restrictions when performing their legitimate professional duties.
However, the amendments prompted concerns from the Minority Caucus, with The Member of Parliament for Assin South, Honourable John Ntim Fordjour demanding explanations over changes made to the legislation. He questioned the circumstances surrounding the revisions and called for clarity on the differences between the amended bill and the version previously considered by Parliament.
Majority Leader Details Parliament’s Agenda for Third Meeting
With Parliament’s third meeting expected to centre on the national budget and several pending legislative matters, Majority Leader Honourable James Agalga outlined an intensive programme for the House.
He presented the agenda when parliamentary leadership addressed the press, identifying the budget debate, committee reports, constitutional amendments and proposed motions as key items for consideration during the 28-day meeting.
The Builsa North MP indicated that Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson is expected to present the government’s Budget Statement and Economic Policy on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, most likely on November 12. Thereafter, parliamentary committees would examine the financial proposals and undertake the procedures required to secure passage of the Appropriation Bill.
“This is going to be a very busy meeting, and I would encourage you in the media fraternity to do well and cover the debate on the floor.”
Honourable James Agalga
Honourable Agalga anticipated that the budget debate would provide the government with an opportunity to outline its economic record over the preceding two years. He pointed to the reduction in inflation from 53 percent to 5.3 percent, alongside a considerable decline in food inflation, as achievements he expected the debate to examine.
He also referenced the International Monetary Fund’s favourable assessment of the government’s economic management, contrasting it with the financial difficulties experienced under the previous NPP administration, including the domestic debt restructuring exercise that affected investors.
Beyond the budget, the Majority Leader identified several committee reports, annual audit statements and other referrals awaiting consideration. He further indicated that motions submitted by the Minority would receive parliamentary attention if the Speaker admits them in accordance with the Standing Orders.
“We are not running away from accountability,” Honourable Agalga asserted, explaining that the Majority would support motions found to have merit where necessary to strengthen parliamentary scrutiny. He challenged the Minority to complete the required procedural steps, expressing readiness to engage with any proposals admitted by the Speaker.
In addition, the House is expected to consider constitutional amendment bills following the Constitutional Review Committee’s completion of its work. The Builsa North MP explained that the proposed amendments would involve both entrenched and non-entrenched provisions, making constitutional reform another significant item on the meeting’s agenda.
With several matters competing for attention within the limited sitting period, Honourable Agalga indicated that the Majority would seek to advance the government’s legislative programme while fulfilling Parliament’s oversight responsibilities.
READ ALSO: KATH ReceiveS £51,000 Donation To Strengthen Radiology Services
