Parliament expected to pass 2024 Budget today

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Parliament is expected to pass the 2024 Budget today, as confirmed by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, on November 30. He reiterated his earlier position that the 2024 budget statement and economic policy had not been approved.

During the preceding day’s approval session, the Majority staged a walkout, alleging that the Speaker conducted himself in an unfortunate and improper manner. They contended that, after a voice vote on the floor, the Speaker initially ruled in favor of the Majority but reversed his decision when the Minority challenged the vote and called for a headcount.

The Majority accused the Speaker of employing delay tactics to allow absent Minority members to rush in for the headcount after their names were mentioned.

The Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, stated, “What is happening is that there are five members of the minority who are not here, so all that he’s doing is to play for time to enable them to come to the chamber. That is it, that’s all that it is.”

However, the Speaker defended his actions, claiming that he had expressed an opinion and not issued a ruling. He clarified, “So throughout the practice when it’s an opinion, you say I think, I think, that is an opinion I’m expressing. I think the ayes have it. Now an opportunity is created for somebody to challenge the opinion, and so when you read 113 (2), it doesn’t talk about ruling, it talks about the opinion, that’s why it says a member may call for a headcount or division if the opinion of Mr Speaker on a voice vote is challenged.”

On November 30, the Speaker directed the business committee to reschedule the headcount for today, emphasizing that the matter is not up for debate.

Source: Myjoyonline.com

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