- Finance Minister absent, mini-budget delayed
- Minority accuses government of deliberate delay
- Public sector workers' salaries at risk
Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam was once again absent from Parliament today, missing the anticipated presentation of the mini-budget. This marks the second consecutive day that the scheduled budget presentation has been delayed, following the recall of Parliament yesterday.
The absence of key figures, including Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and other prominent members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) front bench, has fueled further speculation regarding the reasons behind the delay.
In response, Member of Parliament for Anyaa Sowutuom, who acted as Majority Leader in Afenyo-Markin’s absence, informed the House that the NPP leadership had no information regarding the Finance Minister’s whereabouts or the delay.
However, this explanation failed to satisfy the Minority, who accused the government of intentionally avoiding the budget presentation.
Minority Chief Whip, Kwame Agbodza, suggested that the delays may be a deliberate strategy by the NPP to create challenges for any potential new government following the 2024 elections.
The Minority also warned of serious consequences if the situation continues, specifically pointing to potential delays in salary payments for public sector workers. They stressed that if workers do not receive their wages on time, the NPP government would bear full responsibility for the delays.
Although the mini-budget is still listed on the order paper, two days have passed without any presentation. Minority Members of Parliament have vowed to continue pushing for accountability, highlighting the urgency of resolving the matter.
