Ghana’s Parliament has been adjourned to January 2, 2024, after Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adams failed to present the highly anticipated 2025 Mini-Budget before the close of the current session.
The Mini-Budget, a constitutional requirement meant to provide a fiscal outlook for the upcoming year, was expected to address key economic issues such as revenue mobilization, expenditure priorities, and strategies for fiscal consolidation ahead of the next administration.
Despite public anticipation, the presentation did not take place, leading Speaker Alban Bagbin to adjourn proceedings.
Following the adjournment, Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson expressed disappointment, criticizing the Finance Minister’s failure to fulfill this important mandate.
“In the spirit of a smooth transition, it was expected that the outgoing president, acting under Article 180 of the Constitution, would have acted in good faith and brought before Parliament a proposal for expenditure to cater for the first quarter of 2025,” said Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.
He emphasized the importance of this action, stating, “This was critical because the appropriation act for 2025 will not come into force on January 1, 2025. Sadly, President Akufo-Addo has planned to leave the public service without provisions for the first quarter of 2025.”
Dr. Forson reassured the people of Ghana, saying, “However, let me give assurance to the people of Ghana and all stakeholders that the NDC government will take office on January 7, 2025, and we will act swiftly to address expenditure for the first quarter of the year.”
On the other hand, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin attributed the Finance Minister’s failure to present the 2025 Mini-Budget to what he described as the “lawlessness” of the minority group. He assured, however, that the Finance Minister would lay the expenditure in advance of appropriation when the House resumes on January 2, 2024.
