2024 budget: We’ll reject any policy that’ll worsen the plight of Ghanaians – Minority

The Minority in Parliament has asserted that they will oppose any policy that seeks to worsen the woes of ordinary Ghanaians in the 2024 Annual Budget Statement and Economic Policy.

The caucus issued a stern warning regarding the upcoming presentation of the budget scheduled for November 15, 2023.

The Minority leader, Cassiel Ato-Forson speaking in Parliament after the recess emphasised that they will strive to alleviate the hardships faced by the Ghanaian populace, not exacerbate them.

“The prevailing economic conditions have already made it very difficult for the ordinary Ghanaian and businesses, and therefore, we can’t be a party to any policy or measure which makes things even more unbearable for the already suffering Ghanaian and businesses.”

“Mr. Speaker, let me be blunt; the upcoming budget statement will encounter resistance if it does not prioritise the needs of people and businesses. That is our bottom line.

“So, if the government knows that its upcoming budget does not prioritise the needs of the people, then they should get ready for a showdown!”

However, the former Deputy Finance Minister clarified that the Minority’s position is not intended to obstruct the government from implementing its policies.

“Mr. Speaker, the position taken by the Minority Caucus is not intended to frustrate the government; far from that.

“We have taken the position to be on the side of the people of Ghana as we have always done in the life of this Parliament, and Parliaments before this one,” he indicated.

The Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, is set to present the government’s 2024 Annual Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on November 15, 2023.

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, announced this in Parliament on Tuesday, October 31 emphasising the importance of scrutinising the budget to ensure it serves the needs of all Ghanaians.