Govt shutdown looms as Bagbin adjourns Parliament with no mini-budget
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has adjourned parliamentary proceedings to January 2, 2025, after the Finance Minister, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, failed to present the 2025 Mini-Budget as anticipated.
The Mini-Budget, a constitutional requirement, was expected to outline the government’s financial projections and policy priorities for the first quarter of the upcoming year. Its absence has raised concerns among members of Parliament and the general public. The development has also raised concerns of a potential government shutdown.
Minority Expresses Displeasure
Speaking to the media after the adjournment, Minority Leader Dr Cassiel Ato Forson expressed his disappointment over the Finance Minister’s failure to meet the constitutional obligation.
“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
“This was very important because the appropriation act for 2025 will not come into force on the 1st of January 2025. Sadly President Akufo-Addo planned to leave the public service uncatered for in the first quarter of the year, 2025.
“However let me give assurance to the people of Ghana and all stakeholders that the NDC government will take office on 7th January 2025, and we will act with dispatch to cater for expenditure for the first quarter of the year 2025.”
The Minority Leader further criticised the government for what he described as poor planning and disregard for Parliament’s role in ensuring accountability.
When Parliament reconvenes on January 2, 2025, the Mini-Budget presentation is expected to take centre stage.
Speaker Bagbin has indicated that the House will prioritize discussions on the budget to ensure the government is held accountable for its financial policies.
Meanwhile, the Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin attributed the inability of the Finance Minister to present the 2025 Mini budget to what he deems as the lawlessness of the minority group.
He, however, assured that the expenditure in advance of appropriation will be laid by the Finance Minister when the house resumes on January 2, 2024.
