The Minority Caucus of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Parliament has issued a stern warning to the Finance Minister, , over what they describe as an unlawful delay in presenting the 2025 mini budget. According to the caucus, the minister’s failure to adhere to constitutional timelines for budget presentation is not only unacceptable but also warrants legal consequences, including a potential jail term.
At the parliament House on Thursday, the NDC MPs criticized the Finance Minister for what they termed as a deliberate breach of Article 179 of the Constitution, which mandates the timely presentation of the mini quarter budget to Parliament.
Hon Benjamin Komla Kpodo MP for Ho central emphasized that the Finance Ministry’s delay undermines the credibility of the government’s fiscal policies and creates uncertainty for the nation’s economic planning for the first quarter of 2025
“This government has shown a blatant disregard for legal and procedural requirements, and we will no longer stand by and watch,” Hon Kpodo declared. “If the minister fails to fulfill his constitutional obligation, we will initiate legal action to hold him accountable. Let him be reminded that imprisonment is a consequence for such gross misconduct.”
The Minority Caucus also questioned the government’s transparency, alleging that the delay could be a ploy to conceal financial mismanagement and critical details about the country’s economic future. They urged President Nana Akufo-Addo to intervene and ensure that the budget is presented promptly to avoid a constitutional crisis.
The Finance Ministry has yet to respond to the accusations , but the majority suggest that the the Finance Minister will up before the weekend to present the budget.
With the parliamentary recess fast approaching, the Minority has vowed to escalate the issue if the Finance Minister fails to act promptly. Political analysts believe the threat of legal action underscores growing tensions between the minority and the ruling government .
The controversy over the delayed budget adds to a series of fiscal challenges facing the government, including high inflation and a depreciating currency, which continue to affect ordinary Ghanaians.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Gumedzo Isaac Acheampong
