The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has sharply criticised the Majority caucus for blaming the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for delays in the presentation of the government’s mini-budget.

During a parliamentary session on Thursday, December 19, Habib Iddrisu, the First Deputy Majority Whip, accused the NDC of stalling the process by engaging in internal disputes over parliamentary leadership. “We recalled Parliament for this purpose, but we were busy fighting over who becomes the majority and minority. So, tomorrow it will be done,” Iddrisu stated.

In response, Speaker Bagbin rejected the claim, calling it both unfounded and unfair. He stressed that the delay had not been caused by the NDC but by other factors, which he chose not to elaborate on publicly. “Because you boycotted sitting yesterday and two days ago in my absence, you made statements as if the delay was caused by the Speaker or the minority. That is untrue,” he said.

Bagbin also warned the Majority against pressuring him to disclose details that could negatively impact the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The delay of the mini-budget, a vital document for addressing the country’s fiscal challenges, has sparked concern. Finance Minister Dr. Amin Adams has been absent from parliamentary proceedings for four consecutive days, leaving the budget for the first quarter unresolved. This has raised alarm among lawmakers, with some accusing the government of neglecting its fiscal responsibilities during this critical period.

Minority Leader Dr. Ato Forson expressed frustration over the Finance Minister’s absence and urged him to fulfil his constitutional duties. Forson warned that failure to present the mini-budget promptly could lead to serious legal and political repercussions.

Source:TheDotNews