Parliament House has clarified that the 2024 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government has not yet received approval, dispelling earlier claims of its endorsement.
The Media Relations Department released a statement highlighting that a consensus approach is currently being pursued for the budget’s approval process. Chaos erupted within the Parliament Chamber on Wednesday following the conclusion of the debate between Majority and Minority leaders.
According to the statement, Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin expressed a favourable opinion on the motion’s passage after a voice vote for its approval.
However, Deputy Minority Leader Mr. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah contested the Speaker’s opinion, prompting a call for a headcount in accordance with Standing Order 113 (2).
The Speaker, complying with parliamentary procedures, proceeded with the headcount. Nevertheless, some members of the Majority Caucus protested the decision and walked out of the Chamber.
The statement emphasized the routine practice in the House, where, before each sitting, the Speaker and the Leadership of Parliament engage in a pre-sitting discussion to plan the day’s proceedings.
The agreement reached during the pre-sitting meeting on November 29, 2023, stipulated that voice votes would be taken on the Budget. However, if the Speaker’s opinion on the voice vote were challenged, headcounts would be conducted—an agreement consistent with the Speaker’s actions.
Following the tumultuous events, Speaker Bagbin, under Order 104, adjourned the House until Thursday, November 30, 2023. Standing Order 104 allows the Speaker to adjourn the House in the case of grave disorder.
Meanwhile, the approval of the budget statement has been deferred to Thursday 7 December.
