Finance Minister's No-Show Delays Mini Budget

Dec 17, 2024 - 18:19

Governs Agbodza is the Minority Chief Whip in Ghana's Parliament

A cloud of uncertainty hangs over Ghana's Parliament as the absence of the Finance Minister and Majority Leader has stalled a crucial presentation. The Expenditure in Advance of Appropriation for January to March 2025, essential for covering government expenditures during the transition period, remains in limbo.

Addressing the issue on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, Minority Chief Whip, Governs Agbodza, expressed frustration over the delay, labeling it a "troubling mystery" with potentially severe implications for the outgoing administration. The Minority has urged the government to expedite action, ensuring the smooth functioning of the country's financial operations.

The opposition's concerns are heightened by the fact that the document in question is already in the possession of the Speaker of Parliament. The Minority is calling for transparency and accountability, warning that failure to present the document could have constitutional consequences.

“We are here today again, Mr Speaker, the Finance Minister is not here. The leader of the opposite side is not here. Nobody is telling us anything…I hope that there’s no conspiracy to make it impossible for this to be made to be taken until the eighth parliament expires.

“There’s no reason why a document in the possession of Mr Speaker, the document is already here while there’s nobody available in government to hear this. It’s a mystery, Mr Speaker. It is a mystery. Why did you communicate that document to parliament if you are not ready to lay it?

So, Mr Speaker, me, I’ll just leave it here. Let all people, workers in government, all workers in this country, and everybody who draws from the public purse, be aware that the opportunity exists for the Finance Minister to communicate to parliament this document of expenditure in advance of application.

“However, they have decided that for reasons known to them, they are not going to lay that paper. If we get to a point where we are not able to take this under the eighth parliament, the blame should solely be at the doorstep of President Akufo-Addo and Dr Bawumia, and the Finance Minister and they should be aware that there are consequences in the constitution.

“If you fail to discharge your duties, and responsibilities placed on you as a public official, and you fail to do it, there are consequences. They should be ready to face those consequences,” he stated.

In response, the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has suggested that the Finance Minister may be planning to amend the document before presentation. However, this has done little to alleviate the concerns of the Minority, who remain adamant that the government is dragging its feet.

Source: Lead News Online