The approval of the 2024 budget seems to hang in the balance as the challenge to the voice vote taken by the house to approve it led to a rancorous debate till Speaker, Alban Bagbin adjourned sitting till today, November 30, 2023.
Deputy Minority Leader, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah objected to the Speaker’s acceptance of the vote in favour of the Budget. However, Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin countered the objection citing procedural deficiency in Mr. Buah’s application.
The Speaker however yielded to Mr. Buah’s request for a headcount. However, the decision led to protest from the Majority.
Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu told the media that the U-turn by the Speaker was most unfortunate.
Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, was upbeat that as things stand, the budget had not been approved.
Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, was however happy since to him, the 2024 Budget had been approved.
Government has earmarked 226.7 billion cedis in the Budget for the 2024 fiscal year.
