The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Minority Caucus in Parliament has raised concerns over the government’s failure to comply with Article 180 of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates the presentation of expenditure in advance of appropriation.
The issue was highlighted in a press statement released on December 20, 2024, by the Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.
According to the statement, the outgoing government, led by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has not submitted a proposal for expenditures to cover the first quarter of 2025.
This, the Minority Caucus argues, contravenes constitutional requirements and poses challenges to financial planning during the transitional period.
“In the spirit of good governance and tradition, we expected the outgoing President to act in good faith by presenting the necessary proposals before Parliament to cater for the first quarter of 2025,” the statement read.
The Minority emphasized the importance of this step, as the Appropriation Act for 2025 will only take effect on January 7, 2025, following the swearing-in of the new administration.
The failure to present the expenditure plan has led to concerns about the continuity of public services.
Despite their disappointment, the NDC Minority assured Ghanaians that the incoming NDC-led government will act promptly to address the issue.
“We assure the good people of Ghana that the NDC government, upon taking office in January 2025, will act with dispatch to cater for expenditures in the first quarter of the year,” the Minority Caucus stated.
The statement also clarified that the absence of a Minister of Finance on January 7, 2025, will not hinder the process. The Vice President can present the expenditure in advance of appropriation to Parliament after being sworn in, ensuring that the necessary approvals are expedited.
The NDC Minority further extended their gratitude to the Speaker of Parliament, Members of Parliament, and the Parliamentary Service for their dedication and hard work throughout the year.
They concluded by wishing all Ghanaians a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year, expressing hope for a better year ahead under the new administration.
Meanwhile, Speaker Alban S. K. Bagbin has adjourned the session until January 2nd, 2025, leaving the much-anticipated 2025 Mini-Budget unpresented.
