Majority MPs Boycott Pushes 2024 Budget Approval To Next Thursday

The approval of the 2024 budget has been rescheduled to next week by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin following a boycott of parliamentary proceedings Thursday November 30, 2923 by members of the majority New Patriotic Party.

Only four leaders including the Majority leader, Majority Chief Whip and Second Deputy Whip and later, deputy majority leader of the majority caucus were seen in the chamber Thursday for business of the House.

Members of the minority side were however seated in their numbers.

Ghana’s legislature was expected to conduct a headcount of MPs for the approval of the 2024 budget today following the disorder created as a result of the walkout staged by majority members of the majority side.

A Ayes voice vote confirmation by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 in favour of the approval of the 2024 budget after the conclusion of the debate was challenged by the minority caucus.

Deputy minority leader, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah who challenged the ruling called for a headcount in accordance with Oder 113 (2) of the Standing Orders of the House.

This forced members of the majority group to stage a walkout.

The Speaker subsequently suspended sittings and later returned to adjourn proceedings to today for the continuation of the proceedings as indicated on the order paper of Parliament for today Thursday.

But in parliament on Thursday, the speaker said “The 2024 budget is still before us but it has been rescheduled for Monday.”

Meanwhile, the minority caucus accused the majority of running away from the house, saying “For the second time, they have run away…where are they?”