Parliamentary Showdown: Approval of 2024 Budget Hangs in the Balance As It Appears On Thursday’s Order Paper

The approval of the 2024 Budget Statement and Economic Policy document of the Akufo-Addo led government still hangs in the balance despite claims by the Finance Minister and the Majority in Parliament that it has been passed.

During the twenty-second sitting of the third meeting on Thursday, November 30, 2023, the approval of the 2024 budget faced a contentious impasse.

The motion, listed as item 10 on the Order Paper, was initially moved by the Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, and seconded on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, by the Minister of Information and Ofoase/Ayirebi MP, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah.

This paved the way for the debate on the government’s 2024 Fiscal and Financial Policy Statement to commence. With the two leaders of the house wrapping up the various submissions of their sides, the Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Alban Kingsford Sumani Bagbin, called for a voice vote to either approve or reject the policy document.

After two rounds of voice votes, the Speaker declared “I think the ayes have it,” a clear indication of the confusion surrounding the actual winner of the vote.

Subsequently, the Minority in Parliament challenged the validity of the voice votes, demanding a headcount to ascertain the actual number of members present in the house for the approval process.

This disagreement escalated into a heated exchange, leading to the majority side walking out of the house.

In the midst of the chaos, the Speaker temporarily suspended the sitting. Upon resumption, and after a brief period, the Speaker abruptly announced the adjournment of the House.

Meanwhile, page 8 of the order paper of Thursday, November 30, 2023, has further fueled the uncertainty surrounding the budget.

A twitter user, @Atouyese posted a picture of the order paper on her timeline which has been produced below.