The Members of Parliament (MPs) belonging to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) have warned the government that they would oppose the 2024 Budget Statement and Economic Policy if it does not prioritise the welfare of citizenry and address concerns of businesses in the country.
According to the group, it was incumbent on the government to provide some well-thought through policies, which implementation would bring some relief to the citizenry, considering the hardships they were going through.
To the group, the economic challenges confronting Ghana had got to a state where the people could no more bear it, spurring the migration of the youth in droves to seek greener pastures abroad.
The group leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, in his remarks on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, to welcome the MPs back to the Third Meeting of the Third Session of the Eight Parliament of the Fourth Republic, signalled that they would have no option than to resist the approval of the 2024 Budget.
“The prevailing economic conditions have already made it very difficult for the ordinary Ghanaian and businesses and, therefore, we can’t be a party to any policy or measure, which make things even more unbearable for the already suffering Ghanaian and businesses.
Mr. Speaker, let me be blunt; the upcoming budget statement will encounter resistance if it does not prioritise the needs of people and businesses. That is our bottom-line. So, if the government knows that its upcoming budget does not prioritize the needs of the people, then they should get ready for a showdown,” he noted.
He added: “We are tired of seeing many young professionals leave our shores in droves because they find no opportunities in our dear country as a result of the harsh Economic Condition, poor governance and corruption.
“Mr. Speaker, the position taken by the Minority Caucus is not intended to frustrate the government; far from that. We have taken the position to be on the side of the people of Ghana as we have done in the life of this Parliament.”
He assured that the group will continue to scrutinize the upcoming Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government with eagle eyes just like what they’ve been doing every year to ensure that Ghanaians get the best from the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia-led government.
The presentation of the 2024 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the government is slated for November 15, 2023, and would be delivered by the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, on behalf of the President, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
By Stephen Odoi-Larbi
