The Finance Minister, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, has finally presented the first-quarter 2025 budget following weeks of delay, resulting in a government shutdown at the start of the New Year.
The mini-budget faced delays due to disagreements between the minority NDC and majority NPP in Parliament over unresolved government business, including requests for tax waivers.
The outgoing government has requested GH₵68.1 billion to sustain operations until the incoming administration, led by John Mahama, presents its comprehensive 2025 budget.
The Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Andrew Asiamah Amoako, referred the budget document to the Budget and Finance Committees for a thorough review.
These committees will analyse the proposed figures and policies before reporting to the House for debate and approval.
The temporary budget is intended to cover salaries for public sector workers, statutory payments, critical infrastructure maintenance, and funding for social intervention programs.
Parliament had adjourned on December 20, 2024, without the mini-budget being presented, leading to operational challenges.
The Vote on Account, a provisional financial measure, was crucial to keep the government running until the incoming administration’s full budget was approved.
The delay in the Finance Minister’s appearance in Parliament caused frustrations, particularly among NDC members, and stalled proceedings.
Both sides of the House exchanged blame for the impasse.