By: Jeremiah Nutsugah
The Minority in Parliament has issued a renewed threat to oppose the approval of the 2024 budget today.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, had initially declared a voice vote in favor of the Majority during the approval process of the economic policy and budget statement presented by Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta on Wednesday.
The Minority, however, insisted on a headcount, prompting the Majority to stage a walkout.
In a press briefing, Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson stated that the fate of the 2024 budget still hangs in the balance, and they will defeat its approval today, November, 29, 2023.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta and the Majority maintain that the 2024 budget was passed following the Speaker’s declaration of the voice vote.
The Finance Minister asserted, “At the end of the day, the Speaker put it to vote twice, and he declared that the ‘ayes’ have it. That means the budget, in my view, has been passed.”
Despite the Majority’s position, the Minority insists that the 2024 budget and economic statement has not been passed.
The Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, expressed frustration with the Speaker’s actions, emphasizing the need for a proper resolution.
He criticized the Speaker’s sudden reversal, stating, “He just expressed an opinion. And that’s most unfortunate. So, we think that the proper thing should be done.”
The Majority Leader also highlighted the delay caused by the Speaker’s indecision during the headcount process.