Alban Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament has rebuked the the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin.
Speaker Bagbin’s rebuke came in response to Afenyo-Markin’s argument over the arrangement in which the Budget Statement should be presented whether as a motion or merely a statement.
According to Alban Bagbin, the parliament of Ghana should not be about who can shout the loudest.
Bagbin on the floor of parliament stated, “ I’ve heard, and I think, in terms of procedure, the right thing has been done. The order clearly states that the estimates of revenue and expenditure must be presented as a statement.
The Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the government shall be presented to the House by the Minister responsible for Finance on behalf of or on the authority of the President,” Bagbin clarified.
The Speaker cautioned, “Honorable Minority Leader, you are not in a shouting battle, please. This is the House, and the only way the House can determine the format of the statement is when it is officially presented. The House cannot decide on this matter outside of a formal sitting.”
Meanwhile, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has today 11th March 2025, presented the 2025 Budget and Economic Policy to Parliament.
The theme of the 2025 Budget is “Resetting Ghana for the economy we want.”
Ato Forson reflected on his journey in public service, describing it as one guided by destiny and shaped by invaluable experiences.
The finance minister in the budget reading announced that the government will be abolishing the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-levy), and the 10% tax on lottery winnings also known as the betting tax.
He stated, “We have programmed the following taxes for removal in line with our manifesto promises. Mr Speaker, we will abolish the 10% tax on winning from lottery”.
“We remain committed to the pursuit of the 24-Hour Economy Policy,” he stated, emphasising that the policy is crucial for enhancing our economic resilience and ensuring sustainable growth,” he further stated.
Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has already presented the 2025 Budget to Cabinet for scrutiny, ahead of its presentation to Parliament on March 11.
He further touted, some 21 promises so far delivered by President John Mahama since January 7.
Watch the video below:
