Parliament adjourned to January 2 as Finance Minister fails to present mini-Budget

Ghana’s Parliament has been adjourned to January 2, 2024, after the Finance Minister, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, failed to present the much-anticipated 2025 Mini-Budget before the close of the current session.

The Mini-Budget, a constitutional requirement designed to provide a fiscal outlook for the upcoming year, was expected to address key economic issues, including revenue mobilization, expenditure priorities, and strategies for fiscal consolidation before the next administration takes over. The development has also raised concerns of a potential government shutdown from January 1, 2025.

Despite high expectations, the presentation did not occur, prompting Speaker Alban Bagbin to adjourn proceedings.

Speaking to the press after the adjournment, Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson expressed disappointment over the Finance Minister’s inability to fulfil this crucial mandate.

“In the spirit of a good transition, It is expected that the outgoing president, acting pursuant to article 180 of the constitution could have acted in good faith and brought before parliament a proposal for the expenditure to cater for the first quarter of the year 2025

“This was very important because the appropriation act for 2025 will not come into force on the 1st of January 2025. Sadly President Akufo Addo planned to leave the public service uncatered for in the first quarter of the year, 2025.

“However let me give assurance to the people of Ghana and all stakeholders that the NDC government will take office on 7th January 2025, and we will act with dispatch to cater for expenditure for the first quarter of the year 2025.”

The Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin attributed the inability of the Finance Minister to present the 2025 Mini budget to what he deems as the lawlessness of the minority group.

He, however, assured that the expenditure in advance of appropriation will be laid by the Finance Minister when the house resumes on January 2, 2024.