The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has said that the House will not rush to approve the 2024 budget statement.
During a post-budget workshop at parliament, the Speaker said they need to thoroughly and critically analyze the document before approval.
“It is our duty to strive to improve upon the welfare of the people we serve. Even though we see this as business as usual for Parliament, this time around, it’s more critical than before. This budget is a critical budget, and I want us to take time because leadership has discussed it with me, and we have enough time for you to deliberate on the budget.
“We are, therefore, expecting that you will not come and just make political statements or propaganda. Please listen to the voices of our people and do a critical analysis of the budget,” Mr Bagbin said.
Meanwhile, during the opening ceremony of the workshop, the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, pleaded with the Minority in Parliament not to reject the budget statement, given the current state of the country.
“Mr Speaker, we are calling on you to support us once again like we have done in the past to pass the proposed measures in the 2024 budget and on time.
“There is a time and season to tear and a time to mend, there is a time for war, a time for peace and a time to scatter, and a time to gather. Mr. Speaker this is the time to gather, this is the time to mend, and also a time for peace,” Mr Ofori-Atta pleaded.