Conservative Expenditure, Debt Sustainability and an expenditure geared towards growth enhancement activities should be the tone for the 2023 budget.
Economist and Dean of the University of Cape Coast Business School, Professor John Gatsi stated this while outlining his expectations and the structure of the 2023 budget on our current Affairs programme ‘Behind the News’.
He demanded the injection of new hope for citizens in the 2023 budget.
The reading of the 2023 budget statement and economic policy is scheduled for Tuesday November 24.
On reports of getting an IMF programme before the reading of the budget, Professor Gatsi was doubtful that a full-grown IMF programme will be in place before the presentation of the 2023 budget.
Meanwhile, there are uncertainties over who to present the 2023 budget as a vote of Censure hangs around Ken Ofori-Atta who is also facing stiff opposition from his own MPs.
Touching on whether the Finance Minister was fit to present the Budget, Professor Gatsi said it is not obligatory for Ken Ofori-Atta to read the budget, stressing that the budget can be read by an Executive member.
There are meanwhile, calls for the date for the budget presentation to be pushed forward or get a new date because the 24th date for reading the budget is the same day Ghana’s Senior National Team, the Black Stars will open their account against Portugal at the Qatar World Cup.
It is understood that the Minister of Sports has been making some representations to the leadership of Parliament to get the date changed in order to get Ghanaians to rally massive support for the Black Stars in their opening game against Portugal.
There is yet to be a response from Parliament.