Speaker Bagbin urges early submission of mid-year budget review
Alban Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament in Ghana, has urged Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to submit the mid-year budget review earlier than the scheduled date of July 27, 2023. The request comes as the Parliament faces time constraints, planning to adjourn sine die on August 3, 2023, due to various unavoidable commitments.
Highlighting the significance of these commitments, both at the international and domestic levels, Mr Bagbin emphasized the necessity for the Parliament to conclude its proceedings before August 9. To accommodate this timeline, he called on the Finance Minister to expedite the submission of the mid-year budget and supplementary budget review, enabling sufficient time for thorough examination and approval before August 10.
The Parliament’s ability to convene and deliberate would be limited to August 3, as any further extension would impede attendance at the upcoming Commonwealth Parliamentary Association program. Therefore, an early submission of the mid-year budget review is of utmost importance to ensure effective decision-making within the available timeframe.
The Speaker’s call for an expedited budget presentation underscores the Parliament’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities and ensuring timely consideration of critical fiscal matters. By urging the Finance Minister to adhere to the revised timeline, Ghana’s Parliament aims to uphold its duty in the budgetary process and maintain its engagement with international parliamentary commitments.
As Ghana navigates its mid-year budget review, the early submission and subsequent approval of the revised budget will be paramount in providing clarity and direction for the country’s fiscal path.
