The expected presentation of a mini-budget to cater for government expenditure from January to March 2025 hit yet another snag after Parliament was forced to postpone the Motion for the second consecutive day.
This follows the absence of Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam from the House on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.
This marks the second time the minister has failed to appear without any explanation from the government, triggering sharp criticism from the Minority.
The House was specifically recalled for the budget presentation, but the repeated absence has fueled speculation and accusations.
The budget, intended to cover the new government’s expenditure for the first quarter of 2025 until a full-year budget is presented, seeks parliamentary approval for GH¢68.135 billion.
The absence of Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and other key members of his caucus further complicated the situation.
Minority Chief Whip Kwame Agbodza alleged a deliberate attempt by the NPP to obstruct financial processes, potentially jeopardizing the incoming government’s operations after the 2024 elections.
Agbodza expressed concerns over the possible consequences of the delay, particularly on public sector salaries, warning that the NPP government would bear full responsibility for any salary delays.
Mr. Agbodza described the situation as a “troubling mystery” with serious implications. He questioned why the government had submitted the budget document to Parliament if they were unprepared to present it.
“Why did you communicate that document to Parliament if you are not ready to lay it?” he asked, highlighting that the document is already in the possession of the Speaker.
He further cautioned about constitutional consequences for public officials who fail to discharge their duties, placing the blame squarely on President Akufo-Addo, Vice President Bawumia, and the Finance Minister if the budget remains unresolved before the current parliamentary term ends.
