On Thursday, Parliament approved the 2024 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the government for the year ending December 31, 2024.
This will allow the government to spend a total of GH¢ 259,052,474,750 from the Consolidated Fund and other public funds in the next financial year. The approval followed a 138 to 136 headcount which saw the “Ayes” by the Majority have the day.
Announcing the outcome of the headcount, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, said: “At the end of the headcount, the “Ayes” are 138 and the “Nay” 136. Absent: One.
“Honourable members, the ‘Ayes” have it and this House accordingly approves the budget statement and economic policy of the government for the year ending December 31, 2024.”
Although the Minority Caucus also had its members present in their numbers, the absence of the Member of Parliament for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson, did not help their bid to reject the budget after polling 136 “Nays”.
The Minority had attempted to resist the approval of the budget on grounds that it contained new tax handles that would not serve the interest of the ordinary Ghanaian and businesses.
These taxes are expected to rake in about GH¢ 11 billion for the government next year.
The Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, was present in the House to witness the proceedings.
