Finance Minister Finally Submits GH¢68.1 Billion Mini-Budget For Beginning Of 2025

• The Minister of Finance has submitted the budget for the first quarter of 2025 to Parliament
• Second Deputy Speaker referred the budget document to the Budget and Finance Committees for review
• The mini-budget is a constitutional requirement during election years to prevent fiscal disruptions during transitions

The Minister of Finance, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, has submitted the budget for the first quarter of 2025 to Parliament.

The proposed 2025 Expenditure in Advance of Appropriation of GH¢68.1 billion is intended to cover essential government expenses.

There were fears of a government shutdown because the budget had not been presented before the end of 2024.

The finance minister had initially set a November 15 deadline for presenting the provisional budget.

The mini-budget is a constitutional requirement during a transition year to prevent fiscal disruptions.

The allocation is expected to benefit key areas, including public sector workers' salaries, statutory payments, critical infrastructure maintenance, and funding for social intervention programs.

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Second Deputy Speaker Andrew Asiamah Amoako referred the budget document to the Budget and Finance Committees for review.

The finance minister is expected to present the budget to the House later on January 2.

Budget estimates for the first quarter of 2025 for the Parliament and Parliamentary Service, Judiciary and Judicial Service, and the Audit Service were also presented and referred to the joint Budget Committee and Finance Committee.

The Environmental Protection Bill, 2024 was also read the third time and passed.

The Bill repeals the current EPA Act and establishes the Environmental Protection Authority to regulate and protect the environment and provide for climate mitigation measures.

Lack of cooperation in Parliament

The minority and majority sides had been at odds with each other starting with the Speaker Alban Bagbin crippling the majority by temporarily declaring three of its seats vacant.

This led to an impasse, which halted government business because of boycotts from both sides of the House.

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This impasse continued following the 2024 general election despite the Speaker of Parliament's desire to prioritise the proposed 2025 Expenditure in Advance of Appropriation before 2024 ended.

The recent standoffs also centred around contentions over some tax waivers.

Parliament begins registration of MPs

YEN.com.gh reported that Parliament has begun its registration of newly elected legislators for the ninth parliament of the Fourth Republic

The registration process is being done online and in person.

The process began on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, and will end on January 6, 2025.

Parliament noted that targeted messages would be sent to members-elect via WhatsApp or emails to allow them to register.

It added that the members-elect can contact the officers in charge of the registration by telephone.

Source: YEN.com.gh