Ghana’s Parliament has been adjourned until January 2, 2024, following the Finance Minister, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam’s failure to present the anticipated 2025 Mini-Budget before the conclusion of the current session. The Mini-Budget, a constitutional obligation, serves to outline the fiscal plans for the upcoming year, addressing critical issues such as revenue mobilization, expenditure priorities, and fiscal consolidation strategies.
The absence of the presentation prompted Speaker Alban Bagbin to adjourn the parliamentary session, leaving both the Minority and Majority leadership expressing contrasting views on the situation.
Speaking to the press after the adjournment, Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson criticized the government for what he described as a failure to meet its constitutional responsibilities.
“In the spirit of a good transition, it is expected that the outgoing president, acting pursuant to Article 180 of the Constitution, could have acted in good faith and brought before Parliament a proposal for the expenditure to cater for the first quarter of the year 2025,” he said.
Dr. Forson added that the lack of preparation demonstrates a disregard for the public service, leaving it unfunded for the first quarter of 2025. However, he assured Ghanaians that the incoming NDC government would act swiftly upon taking office on January 7, 2025, to address the funding gap.
The Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, however, attributed the delay in presenting the Mini-Budget to what he referred to as “the lawlessness of the Minority group.” Despite the setback, he assured the public that the Finance Minister would present the required “Expenditure in Advance of Appropriation” bill when Parliament resumes on January 2, 2024.
The delay has heightened concerns about fiscal governance and raised questions about the government’s commitment to ensuring a smooth transition into 2025. The Mini-Budget is a vital tool for fiscal planning, especially during a transition period, and its absence leaves uncertainty about the immediate fiscal roadmap.
About The Author
