KEY POINTS
- NPP warns of potential salary delays for public sector workers due to budget approval standoff.
- Afenyo-Markin accuses NDC of deliberately obstructing the 2025 budget to destabilize government finances.
- Ongoing budget deadlock could harm Ghana’s economic stability and democratic reputation.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) caucus in Parliament has raised alarms over possible salary delays for public sector workers due to budgetary hold-ups allegedly caused by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the leader of the NPP caucus, expressed concern at a press briefing, claiming the NDC is stalling the approval of the first-quarter budget for 2025, putting essential payments at risk.
Budget standoff impacts public finances
Afenyo-Markin accused the NDC of intentionally blocking the budget approval process in Parliament, arguing that without this critical endorsement, the government cannot release funds necessary to meet public sector salaries.
“The NDC is creating chaos. They want to disrupt the system so Ghanaians cannot receive their pay,” he stated, warning that this deadlock could damage public morale and economic stability if unresolved.
He explained that the government’s ability to fulfill its wage obligations to public workers hinges on the budget’s passage, which Parliament must authorize. Any delay, Afenyo-Markin warned, could result in salary postponements for workers reliant on timely disbursements.
Economic stability and democracy concerns
Highlighting the broader implications, Afenyo-Markin said the NDC’s obstruction risks undermining confidence in Ghana’s governance structure, both domestically and internationally.
According to Graphic Online, the standoff, he suggested, could send negative signals about the state of Ghanaian democracy, affecting the country’s reputation for stability and effective governance.
He further accused the NDC of attempting to block essential government policies, such as the Free Senior High School (SHS) program, and suggested that their opposition extends to critical educational reforms.
According to him, the NDC, with the alleged backing of the Speaker of Parliament, is working against legislative measures needed for these reforms.
NPP vows to counter NDC obstruction
As the impasse continues, Afenyo-Markin assured the public that the NPP caucus is committed to pursuing all lawful means to prevent the disruption of the government’s agenda.
He emphasized that his party would not allow the NDC to derail the government’s policies, particularly those aimed at national development and welfare.
The NPP leader’s remarks underscore the urgency surrounding the budget approval, as public sector workers across Ghana may face financial uncertainty if the situation remains unresolved.
