The Minority Leader in Parliament, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has expressed concerns over the delay in presenting the mini-budget before Parliament towards the necessary appropriation for January to March 2025.
According to him, this delay undermines the smooth transition of power and places the financial operations of the incoming administration in jeopardy.
“Even though there will be no Finance Minister on January 7th, 2025, the Vice President can present to this House an expenditure in advance of our operation any time after swearing in on January 7, 2025. This House will be properly constituted to expedite the approval of the same expenditure in advance of our operation.
“While we are very disappointed about this development, we want to caution the outgoing Akufo Addo- Bawumia government that they will be responsible for all unmet commitments and obligations of the state from January 1 to January 7, 2025.”
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson Minority Leader of Parliament
He called on the outgoing administration to act in good faith by presenting an expenditure proposal for the first quarter of 2025 as required by Article 180 of the Constitution.
”However, let me give assurance to the people of Ghana and all stakeholders that the NDC government will take over office on the 7th of January, 2024 [and] will act to cater for the expenditure of the first quarter of 2025.”
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson Minority Leader of Parliament
Dr. Forson concluded by thanking members of Parliament in advance for their cooperation during the transition period, urging all parties to prioritize good governance over political differences.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of Parliament earlier issued a warning about further delays in the mini-budget presentation.
The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin further expressed his frustration over the repeated delays in presenting the expenditure before appropriation for the first quarter of 2025.
However, the Finance Minister, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, has failed four times to lay the mini-budget before Parliament, prompting widespread concern among lawmakers.
During Thursday’s proceedings, Speaker Bagbin emphasized the constitutional responsibility of the President to ensure that the necessary financial provisions are made for the first quarter of the year.
Assurance of Budget Presentation to Parliament
“By the Constitution, it is the President who will cause it to be done. The President can give the authority to the Minister for Finance or any other minister, not necessarily the Minister of Finance.’’
Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin Sumana Speaker of Parliament
The Minority group accused the outgoing Akufo-Addo administration of deliberately stalling the process to sabotage the incoming Mahama administration.
However, the Second Deputy Majority Whip, Hon. Habib Iddrisu assured the House that the mini-budget would be presented on Friday as planned.
“Are you sure the Minister of Finance has the authority to do that tomorrow [Friday]?” Speaker Bagbin asked, and Hon. Habib Iddrisu responded firmly: ”Yes, Mr. Spekaer, the indication is that tomorrow [Friday] it will be [ready].”
The Speaker’s remarks highlighted the critical nature of the expenditure in advance of appropriation, especially as the 2025 Appropriation Act will not come into effect on January 1, 2025.
The delay in presenting the expenditure before an appropriation for the first quarter of 2025 has sparked tensions in Parliament, with both the Minority Leader and the Speaker expressing dissatisfaction.
While Dr. Ato Forson focused on the implications for the incoming administration, Speaker Bagbin emphasized the constitutional responsibilities of the outgoing President and his administration.
As Parliament awaits the mini-budget presentation, the importance of a smooth and cooperative transition remains a focal point for all stakeholders.
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