Public Sector Salaries At Risk As Finance Minister Fails To Present Mini-Budget

The salaries of public sector workers for the first three months of 2025 are at risk, as the government faces a potential shutdown following the Finance Minister’s failure to present the mini-budget.

Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam was expected to present the document on Monday, but he did not appear in Parliament. On Tuesday, his absence again triggered fierce controversy among lawmakers.

Minority Chief Whip, Kwame Governs Agbodza, accused the New Patriotic Party (NPP) of a deliberate scheme to undermine a future John Mahama-led administration.

“I just suggested that I hope there’s no conspiracy to prevent the Finance Minister from laying this document. The respected chairman came to the Minister’s defense, claiming new fiscal developments may require a review of the budget. But the document is already in Parliament, and there’s no explanation for his absence,” Mr. Agbodza stated.

He warned that workers relying on government salaries should take note of the situation. “If we reach a point where the mini-budget is not approved before the expiration of the 8th Parliament, the blame must be placed squarely on President Akufo-Addo, Vice President Bawumia, and the Finance Minister.”

Mr. Agbodza stressed that such failure would have constitutional consequences. “Public officials must discharge their duties; failing to do so has repercussions under the Constitution.”

Responding to the accusations, the 2024 New Patriotic Party (NPP) running mate, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh dismissed the claims as self-serving and accused the Minority of poor leadership.

“There we go again, Mr. Speaker. He accuses us of conspiracy, yet where is his leader? Where is Ato Forson? Where is Emmanuel Armah Buah? Where is Patricia Adjei? There seems to be a conspiracy of leadership on their side, and we should hold Agbodza responsible for that,” the NPP running mate argued.

He further emphasized that withdrawing or delaying documents in Parliament is not unprecedented. “It is not the first time in this House that even a Minister brings a document and decides to withdraw it.”

The NPP running mate suggested suspending the session to allow leaders from both sides to resolve the impasse. “The best we can do at this juncture is to suspend sitting so we can look for our leaders to guide us on the next steps.”

Asunafo South MP, Eric Opoku, accused the NPP of neglecting the nation’s interest following their electoral defeat.

He questioned the government’s inaction, stating, “How can you refuse to present an expenditure plan for January, February, and March just because you’ve lost an election? President Akufo-Addo cannot abandon Ghanaians like this. The Finance Minister has a responsibility to fulfill, and he cannot shirk that duty.”

Meanwhile, Tema West MP Carlos Ahenkorah asserted that the mini-budget would only be presented if the NDC cooperated with the government on approving pending tax waivers.

Former Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, however, reassured Parliament that the mini-budget would eventually be delivered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THANK YOU for constantly reading stories on MyGhanaMedia.com, a news publishing website from Ghana. Kindly like, follow, comment, and SHARE stories on all social media platforms for more entertaining updates!