For the third time, the finance minister skips the mini-budget presentation

For the third consecutive time, Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam has been unable to present the 2025 first-quarter budget to Parliament, fueling speculation among members of the Minority in Parliament about the outgoing government’s motives.

National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs have accused the government of intentionally delaying the budget, claiming it is a calculated attempt to hinder the incoming John Mahama administration. They argue that the absence of an approved expenditure framework for the first quarter of 2025 could disrupt the payment of public sector salaries and the operation of government agencies.

Minority Chief Whip, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has been vocal in his criticism, alleging that the government’s inaction is part of a deliberate strategy to undermine a future Mahama-led administration. He warned that failing to approve the mini-budget before the dissolution of the current Parliament would violate constitutional requirements, placing responsibility on President Nana Akufo-Addo, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and the Finance Minister.

However, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has dismissed these allegations. Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the NPP’s running mate, rejected the Minority’s claims, accusing them of mismanagement and emphasizing that delays in budget presentations are not unprecedented in parliamentary procedures. He urged a temporary suspension of parliamentary proceedings to address the impasse.

Further deepening the divide, Asunafo South MP Eric Opoku criticized the government for failing to fulfill its responsibilities in the wake of its electoral loss. On the other hand, Tema West MP Carlos Ahenkorah argued that progress on the budget would require the NDC’s cooperation on outstanding tax waiver issues.

As the stalemate continues, the urgency to resolve the matter grows, with both sides trading blame over the delay’s potential repercussions on the country’s governance and financial stability.