The Member of Parliament for Asunafo South, Hon. Eric Opoku, has accused the New Patriotic Party (NPP) caucus of evading their constitutional responsibility to present the required expenditure for January, February, and March before the new government takes office.
Speaking during a parliamentary sitting today, Opoku challenged President Akufo-Addo to fulfill his duty and present the necessary financial documents, stating that it was imperative to ensure the smooth payment of public sector salaries for the first quarter of the year.
“What they are running away from is to present expenditure in advance of the budget,” Opoku asserted.
He expressed frustration with the NPP’s refusal to act, saying, “Are you telling Ghanaians that you have lost elections so they must not be paid in January, February, and March?”
He emphasized that the president’s tenure has not ended, and thus the duty to present the expenditure must be honored, especially with the new government coming into power in early January.
The MP called for the Finance Minister to come to Parliament and present the statement as a necessary step in managing the country’s finances until the new budget is introduced.
Opoku criticized the introduction of Article 37 into the debate, describing it as irrelevant to the immediate matter at hand.
“Their tenure has not ended, they have not handed over yet. They still have a duty to perform under the constitution of Ghana,” he said.
Meanwhile, the NPP caucus appeared demoralized as fewer members showed up for the sitting.
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the running mate to the NPP Flagbearer in the 2024 elections and (MP) for the Manhyia South constituency, speaking during the sitting requested the suspension of the session, citing the absence of their leaders.
The tension between the government’s responsibilities and the NPP’s inaction has raised questions about the smooth transition of power and the financial stability required to carry the country into the new year.
In response to concerns raised by the opposition, Alex Tetteh Djornobuah, Member of Parliament for Sefwi Akontombra in the Western Region, addressed the house on behalf of the government’s leadership.
Djornobuah assured his colleagues that President Akufo-Addo is fully aware of the current situation regarding the expenditure for the first quarter of 2025.
He urged lawmakers to grant the Finance Minister an extension until the following day, as the final amendments to the necessary financial documents were being worked on.
“President is aware of the circumstances, so I will plead with my colleagues to give the Finance Minister until tomorrow,” Djornobuah stated.
He emphasized that the government was committed to fulfilling its constitutional duty and confirmed that the Finance Minister would present the final document the next day.
