2024 Budget Not Yet Approved- Parliamentary Service

The contention about the status of the 2024 Budget Statement and Economic Policy has been cleared by the Parliamentary Service, putting to rest the argument.

In a press statement, the Parliamentary Service noted that the Budget was yet to be approved after the Majority Caucus staged a walk-out following a call for a head count to ascertain its approval or otherwise.

It recounted, “It is recalled that during proceedings yesterday, the Rt. Hon Speaker, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, had put the question for a voice vote for the approval of the Budget Statement for the year ending 31st December 2024. Question put and in the opinion of the Speaker, the voice vote in favour of the motion was carried.

“However, the Hon. Member for Ellembele and Deputy Minority Leader, Mr. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, challenged the opinion of the Speaker on the voice vote and called for a head count in accordance with Sanding Order 113 (2). Rt. Hon. Speaker obliged and called for a head count. Some members of the Majority Caucus walked out of the Chamber.”

It furthered that the decision by the Speaker to resort to a head count was part of a pre-sitting agreement with the leadership of both sides.

It therefore affirmed, “the Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government for the year ending 31st December 2024 is still before Parliament awaiting approval.”

According to the Service, a consensus approach is being pursued towards its approval.

It comes after the Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori Atta and the Majority’s stance that the budget was passed while the Minority expresses an opposing view.