Minority Leader cautions Akufo-Addo and Finance Minister on constitutional breach over budget delays

The Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has cautioned President Akufo-Addo and the Finance Minister about the constitutional and legal consequences of failing to present the Vote on Account before the end of the financial year.

Dr. Forson stated that a delay in presenting the Expenditure in Advance of Appropriation would violate Article 180 of the 1992 Constitution and Section 23 of the Public Financial Management Act. 

These provisions mandate the government to seek parliamentary approval to withdraw funds from the Consolidated Fund to cover government expenses for the first three months of the new year, pending the passage of the Appropriation Act.

This caution comes after repeated absences of the Finance Minister from Parliament, despite notices to present the expenditure plan. Dr. Forson offered to allow the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Andrew Agyapa Mercer, to lay the paper on behalf of the Finance Minister. 

However, the First Deputy Majority Whip, Habib Iddrisu, assured the House that the Finance Minister would appear on Friday, December 20, to present the budget.

Economic analysts have urged both sides of Parliament to prioritize the country’s interests and avoid entrenched positions, warning that further delays could negatively impact the markets and investor confidence.

“Parliament must find a win-win approach to resolve this issue,” one analyst advised.

By Eugene Davis