Parliament finally approves 2024 budget statement after headcount

With the headcount voted slated for today, the various caucuses marshalled all their numbers to the chamber except for the Member of Parliament for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson who is said to be in Canada for treatment for an undisclosed illness.

Ghana’s Parliament has finally approved the 2024 Budget Statement and Economic Policy document of the Akufo-Addo-led government.

This came after a headcount on Wednesday, December 7, 2023, which saw the Majority caucus vote in their numbers to secure its approval.

The vote was triggered after the Minority in Parliament challenged the policy document’s approval last week.

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, had initially declared the voice vote in favour of the Majority on Wednesday, November 29, after the conclusion of the budget debate.

However, this decision faced opposition from the Minority Caucus, prompting them to challenge the ruling and demand a headcount.

In response, the Majority group staged a walkout, setting the stage for a heightened political standoff.

With the headcount voted slated for today, the various caucuses marshalled all their numbers to the chamber except for the Member of Parliament for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson who is said to be in Canada for treatment for an undisclosed illness.

At the end of the headcount, these were the results as declared by the Speaker:
Those in favour (NPP MPs) – 138
Those against (NDC MPs) – 136
Absent – 1 (Assin North MP, James Gyakye Quayson)
This effectively paves the way for the House to begin the consideration of estimates for the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

Source:newsalertgh

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