Should Parliament approve the budget with the exact content as espoused by the Finance Minister, the financial burden on the ordinary Ghanaian will even worsen. This is why Parliament is being encouraged to use its structure to properly scrutinize portions of the budget that may create problems for the ordinary Ghanaian.
Speaking to Samuel Mbura on A1 Radio’s Day Break Upper East Show, a Labour Expert Austin Gameh expressed grave concerns over the possible implications of portions of the 2022 Economic Policy and Budget Statement as read by Finance Minister, Ken Ofori Atta on the floor of Parliament.
“If Parliament passes the budget as it is now, then they [Ghanaians in the informal sector] will be dead. If there is no room for variation or disapproval, that will be the end of this country,” Mr. Gameh explained.
He said the country’s financial situation is at a tipping point; thus the decisions by Parliament will determine whether government’s intention as communicated through the 2022 budget will make or break Ghanaians adding that “I cannot be a very happy person”.
“The budget is a problem. If you have to carry the budget along with the Auditor General’s report, then you will know where we are going. I am dangerously unhappy. If we leave the door open that fees and levies as charged by government agencies like the [Ghana] Habour [Authority], the Airport and like the Passport [Office] other such like things can be reviewed automatically, then we are dead. Parliament must be responsible for everything,” he explained.
Mr. Gameh said while Parliament may not be entirely efficient in the discharge of its duties, the current numbers could favour the non-biased discussion of pertinent national issues.
A1Radioonline.com|101.1MHz| Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Ghana
