The leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament and the Council of Elders of the party have reached an agreement abandoning their decision to boycott the Budget Presentation on Thursday.
In a resolution signed by the Majority Chief Whip of Parliament, Frank Annoh Dompreh and the General Secretary of the Party, Justin Kodua Frimpong, it was agreed that the MPs will adhere to the plea of the President.
On October 25, 80 MPs demanded the removal of Finance Minister Ken Ofori Atta and the Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, Charles Adu Boahen over what they described as a downward trend in the growth of the economy.
They threatened to boycott all business of the government in the House, the Budget hearing and its debate.
A meeting was convened between the President and the Caucus the same day where the President pleaded with them to have Ofori Atta at the post until he concluded negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), presented the 2023 Budget Statement and the subsequent passage of the Appropriation Bill.
A press statement from Majority leader Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu after the meeting said the Caucus had acceded to the pleas, however, subsequent media engagements revealed the aggrieved MPs still held their position.
Ahead of the budget reading on November 24, the Council of Elders of the NPP convened a meeting with the members of the Caucus to convince them to attend the hearing.
“At a meeting this evening, the 22nd of November 2022, involving the Majority Caucus, the Leadership of the Party and the Council of Elders, it has been agreed by all to refocus and recline to the earlier position requested by the President, to wit:
- The demand be stood down until the conclusion of the round of negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which would feed into the 2023 Budget;
- The presentation of the 2023 Budget Statement and Economic Policy on the 24th November 2022 by the Finance Minister on behalf of the President; and
- The subsequent presentation and passage of the Appropriation Bill”, they resolved.
It added, “The meeting agreed that the President would act upon the initial request of the NPP Parliamentary Caucus after the conclusion of these matters.”
The President has on several occasions kicked against demands to dismiss or reshuffle the Finance Minister saying his performance has been outstanding.
Although the leaders agreed on the resolution it is unknown if the aggrieved MPs will abide by it.
Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini
