KEY POINTS
- Parliament adjourns without approving Expenditure in Advance of Appropriation.
- Minority criticizes government for failing to secure 2025 public funding.
- Majority blames opposition for procedural delays on critical legislation.
Ghana’s Parliament has adjourned until January 2, 2025, without approving the GH₵68.13 million ($4.63 million) Expenditure in Advance of Appropriation meant to fund public sector salaries for the first quarter of 2025.
Speaker Alban Bagbin announced the adjournment after an agreement between the House’s leadership. The short session lasted just 20 minutes, leaving several critical legislative items unaddressed.
These include the Free Secondary Education Bill, the World Bank’s $250 million Ghana Financial Stability Project, and the President’s Supreme Court nominations.
Minority raises alarm over fiscal oversight and accountability
Addressing the media, Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson accused the Akufo-Addo administration of neglecting constitutional responsibilities under Article 180.
He criticized the government for failing to secure funding for the first quarter of 2025, potentially leaving public services underfunded.
“The outgoing administration has failed to ensure public service funding from January 1 to 7, 2025. This is an alarming oversight,” Dr. Forson said, assuring that President-Elect John Mahama’s incoming government would swiftly address the issue.
Forson also warned the outgoing administration that it would be held accountable for unmet obligations during its final days in office.
Majority defends government, blames opposition for delays
At a separate press briefing, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin accused the Minority of deliberately obstructing government business.
According to Graphic Online, he pointed to procedural disruptions that blocked critical discussions, including the Free SHS Bill and the Supreme Court nominations.
“The Minority has used every tactic to prevent parliamentary procedures from moving forward,” Afenyo-Markin said.
Despite the delays, he assured Ghanaians that the Majority would ensure the Expenditure in Advance of Appropriation is addressed when Parliament reconvenes.