The Minority in Parliament is allaying the fears of Ghanaians of possible impact following the failure of the House to approve the 2025 first Quarter Budget known as the Expenditure in Advance for Appropriation.
A stalemate in Parliament has led to the failure to approve the budget which is very crucial for the first quarter spending in the period of transition. The Finance Minister, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam failed to appear before the House to present the budget as required by Article 180 of Ghana’s Consitution.
With few days to 2025, the situation has resulted in a fear of possible shutdown of the public service as no expenditure can be made including salaries of workers since there are no legal and budgetary provisions for such.
A statement released by the Minority on Sunday expressed their disappointment over the development and hence blamed the President Akufo-Addo-led government for the “mess.”
Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, whom some quarters have tipped to be the next Finance Minister noted that despite the breach of the constitutional provision, all hope is not lost yet.
Dr. Ato Forson is calling on Ghanaians who are anxious about a possible government services shutdown to remain calm as there is a constitutional solution to avert what is feared. He said that although there will not be a Finance Minister on January 7, the Vice President can present the document to parliament immediately after the swearing to ensure continuity in government services and payment of workers’ salaries.
“There is no cause for alarm,” he called for calm.
He continued, “Even though there will be no Minister of Finance on 7th January 2025, the Bice President can present to this House the Expenditure in Advance of Appropriation anytime after swearing-in on the 7th and Parliament will be properly constituted to expedite approval of same.”
This assurance from the minority, who will be the majority in the next parliament has provided a glimmer of hope, suggesting that the Vice President’s role could be instrumental in ensuring the continuity of government services, especially during the transitional phase.
Meanwhile, an economist, Dr. Daniel Amateye Anim has revealed that the development has dire possible economic and business implications for the country. Dr. Daniel Anim warns that the failure to approve Ghana’s 2025 Q1 budget could harm investor confidence, economic planning, and business outlook. He is therefore calling on the parliament on rise above petty politics which will put the economic wellbeing of Ghanaians in jeopardy.
