Ghana’s Parliament has adjourned until January 2, 2024, after Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam failed to present the 2025 Mini-Budget before the session ended.
Following the adjournment, Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson criticised the minister for not fulfilling this critical duty. He argued that, under Article 180 of the Constitution, the outgoing president should have presented a proposal for government expenditures for the first quarter of 2025. Forson stressed that without this budget, the 2025 Appropriation Act would not take effect on January 1, 2025. He accused President Akufo-Addo of planning to leave public service unfunded for the first quarter and reassured Ghanaians that the incoming NDC government, set to take office on January 7, 2025, would swiftly address the issue.
In contrast, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin blamed the delay on the minority’s actions, calling them lawless. He confirmed that the finance minister would present the required expenditure in advance of appropriation when Parliament reconvenes in January.
The mini-budget, a constitutional requirement, is essential for setting the fiscal agenda for the upcoming year, including revenue collection, spending priorities, and fiscal management. The delay has raised concerns about a potential government shutdown starting January 1, 2025.
