The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has called for the establishment of an Independent Parliamentary Budget Office to monitor Ghana’s monetary and fiscal systems.
This, the institute says will ensure a stricter monetary and fiscal management systems to transform the economy.
Addressing a group of Civil Society Organizations, Director of Research, Dr. John Kwakye, said a parliamentary budget office is necessary in assessing and estimating the cost of government projects and programmes.
Dr. Kwakye explained that a parliamentary budget office will be different from the current Fiscal Council in the country.
He pointed out that the parliamentary budget office will be made up of independent professionals
“We are calling for the establishment of an independent parliamentary budget office, that’s what is normally called a fiscal council. In the US they have a conventional budget office. In the UK, they have office of budget responsibility and others have the fiscal councils".
"The idea of a parliamentary budget office is that it is marked by independent professionals”, he stressed.
Independence of Parliamentary Budget Office
To ensure the independence of the office, Dr. Kwakye stated that the members of the office will not be appointed by the executive to insulate them from any influence.
This, he maintained will enable the office discharge its duties, enforcing the rules to avert a situation where government is forced to overspend or over borrow.
He stated that one of the key requirements that will enforce the professionalism of the office and enhance its independence is the attachment to parliament.
“The people in the office will not be appointed by the president and they will work with parliament. They will assist parliament in carrying out its oversight role, they should be independent professionals appointed by the public services commission not the president”.
Latest Stories
-
The Keeper’s Music unveils Neyty with new single ‘Most High God’
2 mins -
Bawumia outlines 8 initiatives to create 4 million jobs for youth if elected president
9 mins -
Over 4,000 unpaid teachers demand payment of 16 months arrears from government
23 mins -
I’ve apologised to Gloria Sarfo over flight issues – AMAA Country Director
24 mins -
Ghana nearly lost $9 billion to arbitrary claims in last four years – Attorney General
43 mins -
FWSC responds to CLOGSAG strike declaration, urges return to negotiation
1 hour -
Members contribute to ‘transport’ national team – Volleyball Vice President laments financial struggles
2 hours -
New SHS curriculum provides adaptive learning pathways – EduWatch
2 hours -
Pay NABCO trainees – Mahama challenges Bawumia
2 hours -
Police ‘waiting for court date’ on Erastus’ case is a lie – Samson Anyenini
2 hours -
Sports facilities are better managed by institutions – UG Sports Director on maintenance of Legon stadium
2 hours -
Ghanaian businesses must align vision with strategy to mitigate ESG Risks – KPMG
3 hours -
MTN achieves 30% localisation of Scancom PLC
3 hours -
Attorney-General: Some lawyers sacrifice ethics for ‘cheap’ political gains
3 hours -
Bond market: Volume up by 12.45% to GH¢746m
3 hours