The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Minority in Parliament has formally invited Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to participate in a debate on the Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review of the 2024 Budget Statement and Economic Policy. The debate is scheduled to take place in the Chamber on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at 10:00 am.
The NDC Minority has assembled a team of experienced and knowledgeable members to engage in the debate, including George Kweku Ricketts-Hagan, Isaac Adongo, Thomas Ampem Nyarko, John Abdulai Jinapor, Eric Opoku, Laadi Ayii Ayamba, and Joseph Bukari Nikpe. The Minority aims to “further expose the abysmal economic performance” of the government, according to a statement released by the First Deputy Minority Whip and MP for BANDA, Ibrahim Ahmed.
Ahmed emphasized that parliamentary rules allow a sitting Vice President to participate in debates on the floor of the House. He noted that Vice President Bawumia’s recent call for a debate on the economy presents an excellent opportunity for him to account for his stewardship as Chairman of the Economic Management Team over the past seven and a half years.
The Minority criticized the government’s economic performance, citing statistics from the World Bank, including 33.3% of the population living in extreme poverty and 35% of youth facing unemployment. The Minority expressed surprise that Vice President Bawumia still has the audacity to call for a debate on the economy despite the government’s poor economic record.
The Minority urged the general public to encourage Vice President Bawumia to accept the invitation, stating that “if he is proud of his record, or he should forever keep his silence”. The debate is expected to be a significant event, with the Minority seeking to hold the government accountable for its economic policies and performance.
