In a dramatic turn of events, the 2025 first quarter budget statement, or expenditure in advance of appropriation motion, hangs in the balance as the minority National Democratic Congress (NDC) refuses to cooperate with the majority New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Yesterday’s events in Parliament were marked by tension and drama, setting the stage for a prolonged standoff between the two parties.
The current impasse has its roots in the country’s electoral history.
Ahead of the 2024 elections, the Ministry of Finance was tasked with preparing a draft budget statement and economic policy for 2025, as well as a three-month “Expenditure in Advance of Appropriation” (Vote on Account).
The Vote on Account was to be laid in Parliament for consideration by November 15, 2024, while the full budget statement was to be presented by the first quarter of 2025.
However, the NDC’s refusal to cooperate with the majority has thrown a wrench into the works.
Speaker Alban Bagbin, who had been accused of frustrating the NPP’s efforts in Parliament, now finds himself at the center of the storm.
The NDC MPs and the Speaker are calling for the Minister of Finance to present the budget, but the Minister has been suspended indefinitely, leaving the government’s funding operations in limbo.
The consequences of this standoff are far-reaching. Without a budget, the government will struggle to fund its operations, potentially leading to a shutdown of essential services.
The business community is also watching with bated breath, as the uncertainty surrounding the budget presentation could have a ripple effect on the economy.
As the days go by, the tension in Parliament is likely to escalate.
The NPP will need to find a way to present the budget, either with or without the NDC’s cooperation.
The Speaker and the NDC MPs will also need to decide whether to continue their boycott or to engage with the majority.
-BY Daniel Bampoe