News:
Rt. Hon Alban Bagbin
December 17, 2021
Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin after his absence from the House for two weeks, returned to the chamber on Thursday, December 16, 2021 in his official communication to the House pointed out that he has no intention to superintend over a parliament to frustrate Government business.
According to him, he would equally not preside over a weak House neither be tagged as an errand boy of the Executive arm of government.
“This House is fully focused in discharging its mandate and will do so without any fear or favour, affection or ill will in ensuring the ultimate best interests of the Ghanaian people are served”.
He urged the House to continue to strengthen their channels of communication, foster dialogue, encourage broader stakeholder consultation and allow the processes we have adopted for our burgeoning democracy to thrive.
On the issue of rejection and approval of the budget, the Speaker noted that the House needs to make progress in a manner that is consistent with the laws of Ghana, and ensures we are allowing the governance of the country to thrive.
Touching on the letter presented by the finance minister on concessions and modifications to the 2022 Budget Statement, he said “I am aware of a letter originating from the Minister for Finance which letter purports to make some concessions and modifications to the 2022 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of Government”.
He again stated that the legal basis of the laying of such a letter and what actions Parliament may take as a result leaves a lot to be desired; stating that he had however, held discussions with the Leadership of the House to find a path that is faithful to law, respects our rules and processes and ensures the governance of the country does not grind to a halt.
In the light of that leadership and the Speaker agreed that the following steps be taken;
- The Minister responsible for Finance comes before the House with an amended statement of the Budget with the said modifications and concessions.
- These modifications and concessions will then be adopted by the House and the revised document with the estimates will stand committed to the various Committees of Parliament.
- I am aware the Committees have begun consideration of the estimates. It would thus be their responsibility to reconcile the revised estimates with what they have hitherto considered and submit a report for the consideration of the House.
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com