Parliament has approved the government’s 2024 Budget Statement and Economic Policy document in a significant turn of events.
A decisive headcount, held on Wednesday, December 7, 2023, witnessed a show of support from the Majority caucus, securing the House’s endorsement of the budget.
At the end of the headcount, these were the results as declared by the Speaker:
Those in favour (NPP MPs) – 138
Those against (NDC MPs) – 136
Absent – 1 (Assin North MP, James Gyakye Quayson)
The need for the headcount arose following a challenge by the Minority in Parliament last week to the initial voice vote, where the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, had declared the Majority in favour after the budget debate concluded on Wednesday, November 29.
The Minority Caucus contested this decision, leading to heightened tensions and a demand for a headcount.
In response, the Majority group staged a walkout, intensifying the political standoff.
On the scheduled day for the headcount, both caucuses mobilized their members to the chamber, except the Member of Parliament for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson, who was reportedly abroad in Canada for medical treatment.
The vote outcome, marked by the Majority’s numbers, signifies the resolution of the parliamentary impasse and the formal approval of the 2024 budget.
This effectively paves the way for the House to begin considering the estimates for the various ministries.
Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta presented the budget statement to Parliament on 15th November 2023 followed by two weeks of debate by members.