Following a headcount, Parliament consented to the 2024 budget statement on Thursday, December 7.At the conclusion of the counting, the Speaker stated that 138 members answered ‘aye’ when the question was posed, while 136 said no.
As a result, the Speaker stated that the budget had been approved.
“This House has accordingly approved the budget statement and economic policy of the government for the year ending 31st December, 2024,”stated the Speaker.
Parliament was unable to finalize the budget on Wednesday, November 29 due to the Majority side of the House boycotting proceedings for the second time, having done so on the 2022 budget statement, which introduced the e-levy.
They were unhappy with Mr Bagbin’s administering of the House’s business. They accused the Speaker of prolonging proceedings so that the Minority could have a large number in the House.
“Sam George is not here, Zanetor is not here, Mahama Ayariga, is not here so five of their members are not here. All the speaker is doing is to delay time for their members to come,” After they walked out, Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu told journalists.
The Speaker was forced to call a recess.
Ningo-Prampram Member of Parliament Samuel Nartey George dismissed the idea that he was not in Parliament.
Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Minority Leader, accused the New Patriotic Party (NPP) of not having enough votes to pass the 2024 budget statement.
Addressing the media, Dr Ato Forson stated that, “The NPP does not have the numbers to approve their own budget, sensing defeat they decided to walk out. The NDC MPs were ready to vote against the budget.”
“Our position is that we can allow the budget to go through in its current form, because the ordinary Ghanaian will suffer. John Kumah is not here, Kennedy Agyapong is not here and sensing defeat they walked out, we will not stop, we will do what we have to do. The Budget has not been approved.”
