We have not approved the 2023 budget- Minority Clarifies reports
The Minority caucus in Parliament has indicated the consequences of not approving the principles of the 2023 Budget statement and economic policy of the government as happened on Tuesday, November 6 is very grave.
The side argued Tuesday’s approval does not constitute approval of the budget but is just one of the processes for approving the government’s financial document.
According to the group, criticisms coming from Ghanaians following Tuesday’s approval in Parliament is justified but stressed the public needs to appreciate the stance taken.
Addressing the media in Parliament on Wednesday, December 7 following backlash from sections of the public, Minority leader Haruna Iddrisu indicated his side is not opposed to the 2023 budget in its entirety.
He indicated to therefore reject the entire policy document will mean, for example, the government will be unable to pay Ghanaian workers at the end of January next year, which is something the Minority would not like to see happen in view of the current economic crisis.
He, however, assured his group will subject the entire approval process of the budget to scrutiny to ensure the concerns of the Ghanaian public are addressed before the appropriation bill is passed.
Mr. Haruna Iddrisu indicated that the Minority, for instance, is not for debt structuring because it is not consistent with contractual laws and obligations and stressed they will therefore oppose the programme as presented by the Minister of Finance.
The Minority, he said, will also demand details of the expenditure cut announced by the Minister through the other budget processes.
He urged the public to therefore have faith in the Minority in exacting accountability and standing strong with them