By Godwill Arthur-Mensah/Elsie Appiah-Osei, GNA
Accra, Nov. 13, GNA – Mr Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Minority Leader in Parliament, has accused the Speaker of Parliament of attempting to gag the Minority Caucus by denying it the opportunity to make preliminary observations on the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of Government.
Addressing members of the Parliamentary Press Corps after the presentation of the Budget on Thursday, November 12, Mr Afenyo-Markin said the Minority would not be silenced and would continue to speak on issues affecting the welfare of Ghanaians.
He argued that the caucus should have been allowed to make initial comments on the Budget immediately after its presentation, describing the Speaker’s ruling as unfair to the Minority side.
“The Minority will not be silenced. We will continue to raise concerns and draw attention to policies and programmes that affect the lives of Ghanaians,” he told journalists.
Mr Afenyo-Markin maintained that parliamentary scrutiny of the Budget was an essential component of democratic governance and accountability, stressing that the Minority had a responsibility to articulate the concerns of citizens.
However, Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, explained that comments and debates on the Budget must be conducted in accordance with the Standing Orders of Parliament.
The Speaker noted that the Standing Orders required that debate on the Budget should commence not less than three days after its presentation to Members of Parliament.
He said the provision was intended to provide Members with adequate time to study the Budget Statement and related documents before engaging in informed deliberations on the floor of the House.
Mr Bagbin urged Members to adhere to the rules governing parliamentary proceedings and ensure that discussions were conducted within the framework of the Standing Orders.
The development comes as Parliament prepares for detailed consideration of the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy, presented by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, which outlined the Government’s economic policies, revenue measures and expenditure plans for the 2027 fiscal year.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporters:Godwill Arthur-Mensah/Elsie Appiah-Osei