November 30, 2023

Minister for Finance Ken Ofori Atta said in his view the Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon Alban Kingsford Sumana put the question on the 2024 budget and in his view the budget has been passed.

He further noted that there was a challenge which has not been resolved and it can be seen clearly when the video clips are recalled that the Speaker said the ‘I’s have it and “I believe we have a 2024 budget”, he told the media on Wednesday, November 29, 2023.

His statement followed a confusion that erupted on the floor of the House when the Minority challenged the Speaker’s ruling on the budget and compelled the Speaker to order for a headcount. The Majority would later stage a walkout in protest of the decision.

In an interview with members of the Parliamentary Press Corps, the Finance Minister noted that the Minority Leader and Majority Leaders concluded their debate and he came in with his concluding remarks.

“At the end of the day the Speaker put it to vote twice and declared that he thinks that the I’s have it; that means the budget in my view has been passed later there was a challenge which has not been resolved. As far as I know and I believe we have the 2024 budget passed until such time that they resolve whatever they want to resolve”.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com