Majority accuses Minority of being disingenuous over mini-budget issues

The Majority in Parliament has accused the Minority of being disingenuous regarding concerns about the mini-budget presentation.

This comes after the Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, issued a strong warning to the government, stating that it would be held accountable for any unfulfilled commitments between January 1 and 7, 2025.

Dr. Forson’s remarks were in response to the Finance Minister’s failure to present a mini-budget for the first quarter of 2025.

Speaking to the press in Parliament after the House adjourned until January 2, Dr. Forson expressed serious concerns about the government’s lack of preparation to ensure the smooth operation of the economy at the start of the new year.

He emphasised that the absence of a mini-budget could disrupt essential services and obligations, placing unnecessary burdens on the Ghanaian people.

“The Vice President can present the expenditure in advance of appropriation to this House after January 7, 2025, following his swearing-in, and this House will be properly constituted to expedite its approval,” he said.

However, a statement issued by Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin responded, saying, “A particularly troubling example of this reckless brinkmanship was the Minority’s unlawful and unprecedented takeover of the Majority benches in Parliament, an action that paralysed parliamentary business for weeks. This act of lawlessness not only violated the dignity and decorum of Parliament but also undermined the ability of the House to address essential matters of national interest. Such conduct reflects a troubling disregard for the trust and responsibility entrusted to them by the Ghanaian people.”

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Afenyo-Markin continued, “Further evidence of their obstructionist approach is the Minority’s deliberate stalling of the approval process for Supreme Court justices—Professor Richard Frimpong Oppong and Justice Sophia Rosetta Oduokuwa Semasko Essah—whose appointments are essential to the effective functioning of the Judiciary. These nominees, having been duly vetted and approved by the Appointments Committee, await the tabling of the report for a motion to confirm their appointments. However, the Minority has refused to permit this report to be tabled, let alone debated, thus preventing the Judiciary from being fully equipped to perform its constitutional duties. This reckless action undermines the rule of law and causes unnecessary delays in the delivery of justice for Ghanaians who depend on the courts for the protection of their rights and the resolution of disputes.”

“It is, therefore, disingenuous for the Minority to shift blame to the Government for the delays in approving the expenditure in advance of appropriation. These delays are the direct consequence of their own reckless behaviour and refusal to cooperate on vital legislative matters. Critical issues such as the Free SHS Bill, the $250 million World Bank facility aimed at stabilising the financial sector, and other essential legislation have been left unresolved due to the Minority’s persistent obstructionism.”

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