Minority Leader Ato Forson Criticizes Outgoing Government Over Failure to Address Transitional Expenditure.
The Minority Leader in Ghana’s Parliament, Cassiel Ato Forson, has strongly criticized the outgoing government led by President Nana Akufo-Addo for neglecting to present a proposal for expenditure in advance of appropriation. This crucial measure is required to ensure the country’s financial obligations are met during the first quarter of 2025, particularly during the transitional period before the new administration assumes office.
Speaking to the press following Parliament’s adjournment until January 2, 2025, Mr. Forson expressed profound disappointment with the outgoing administration’s management of the transition process. He underscored that the responsibility for any financial gaps or unmet state obligations between January 1 and January 7, 2025, would rest solely on the shoulders of the Akufo-Addo government.
“While we are very disappointed about this development, we want to caution the outgoing Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government that they will be responsible for all unmet commitments and obligations of the state from January 1 to January 7, 2025,” Mr. Forson declared.
The 1992 Constitution of Ghana mandates, under Article 180, that the outgoing president should present an expenditure proposal to Parliament to cater to public services during the transitional period. However, according to Mr. Forson, this constitutional obligation has been disregarded, creating a significant governance gap at a critical juncture.
“In the spirit of good transition, it was expected that the outgoing president, acting pursuant to Article 180 of the Constitution, would have brought before this Parliament a proposal for expenditure to cater for the first quarter of 2025. Sadly, President Akufo-Addo plans to leave the public service uncatered for,” he lamented.
Despite the current administration’s shortcomings, Mr. Forson assured the public that the incoming National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, led by John Dramani Mahama, would act promptly to address the issue. He emphasized that after the new administration assumes office on January 7, 2025, the Vice President would present the necessary expenditure proposals to Parliament for swift approval.
“The NDC government that will take office on January 7, 2025, will act with dispatch to cater for expenditure for the first quarter of the year 2025,” he assured.
The Minority Leader’s remarks highlight concerns about the outgoing administration’s commitment to ensuring a smooth transition. This oversight, he warned, risks undermining public service operations during a pivotal period. However, he reaffirmed the incoming government’s readiness to restore stability and address Ghana’s financial needs efficiently.
This issue serves as a significant test of governance and the country’s ability to uphold constitutional processes during transitions, a matter that will undoubtedly remain under scrutiny in the weeks ahead.
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