Parliament adjourns to January 2 without approving Expenditure in Advance of Appropriation.
Parliament has adjourned its seventh meeting of the fourth session of the Eighth Parliament to January 2, 2025, without approving the GH₵68.13 million Expenditure in Advance of Appropriation. This funding, crucial for covering public sector salaries between January and March 2025, remains unaddressed, raising concerns over the financial well-being of public service workers.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, announced the adjournment following an agreement reached during leadership consultations. In his statement, he explained the decision, emphasizing the broader interests of the nation.
Following yesterday’s proceedings and pre-sitting conclave meetings I held with the leadership of the House, and in the spirit of that agreement and in the national interest, I proceeded to adjourn the sittings of this meeting to January 2, 2025, he declared
The day’s sitting, which commenced at 2 p.m., was notably brief, lasting just 20 minutes. Despite the importance of the advertised agenda, no government business was addressed. Items scheduled for discussion included the Free Secondary Education Bill, 2024, the Expenditure in Advance of Appropriation, a $250 million World Bank facility for the Ghana Financial Stability Project, and the President’s nomination of two justices to the Supreme Court.
The abrupt adjournment sparked criticism, particularly from the Minority in Parliament. Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson expressed disappointment with the government’s handling of the Expenditure in Advance of Appropriation, accusing the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration of neglecting its constitutional duties under Article 180.
In the spirit of good transition, it was expected that the outgoing President, acting under Article 180, would have acted in good faith and brought before Parliament a proposal for expenditure to cater for the first quarter of the year 2025, Dr. Forson told reporters.
He went further to accuse President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of leaving public sector workers vulnerable, stating, Sadly, President Akufo-Addo planned to leave the public service uncatered for in the first quarter of the year 2025.
Dr. Forson assured Ghanaians that the incoming National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, under the leadership of President-Elect John Dramani Mahama, would address these pressing financial concerns immediately after assuming office on January 7, 2025.
The Minority Leader’s remarks reflect mounting frustration over the delayed approval of critical budgetary allocations. As the nation prepares for a transition in governance, these unresolved issues highlight the urgent need for collaborative action to ensure financial stability and a seamless transition in the coming months.
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