The Minority Leader in Parliament, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has issued a strong warning to the government, stating that it will be held accountable for any unfulfilled commitments between 1st and 7th January 2025.
His remarks were in response to the Finance Minister’s failure to present a mini-budget for the first quarter of 2025 as the new government prepares to takeover.
Speaking to the press in Parliament after the House adjourned until 2 January, Dr Ato Forson expressed serious concerns about the government’s lack of preparation to ensure the smooth operation of the economy at the start of the new year.
He emphasized that the absence of a mini-budget could disrupt essential services and obligations, placing unnecessary burdens on the Ghanaian people.
“The Vice President can present the expenditure in advance of appropriation to this House after 7 January 2025, following his swearing-in, and this House will be properly constituted to expedite its approval."
"While we are very disappointed, we want to caution the outgoing Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government that they will be responsible for all unmet commitments and obligations of the state from 1 January onward,” he stated.
Describing the situation as a failure of governance, Dr Ato Forson urged the government to take immediate action to prevent undue hardship.
He reiterated his side's commitment to holding the government accountable, stressing that transparency and proactive planning are vital to maintaining public confidence.
Meanwhile, the Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin has laid blame squarely on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Members of Parliament, accusing them of fostering chaos and obstructing consensus-building.
The NPP leader lamented to journalists after the adjournment on December 20 that the NDC members were planning to exclude some key issues such as the Free SHS bill and the consideration of some judges from the order paper.
"Today we did the agendum, for some strange, mysterious reasons, the Free SHS Bill was taken off the order paper. I had to cause the reprinting of the order paper to have the Free SHS bill. Why are they against the free SHS bill? Why don't they want the Free SHS bill to be passed?" he said.
The mini-budget, which was expected to outline government expenditure and revenues in the interim period, remains unaddressed.
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