Parliament approves various appropriations of MDAs, constitutional bodies

Parliament has approved budget allocations for ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) and constitutional bodies to support their operations for the 2025 fiscal year. 

The approvals cover a wide range of sectors, including local governance, agriculture, natural resources, sports and media regulation.

Ministries

The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs received the largest allocation, with GH¢4,044,356,455.00 approved to support decentralisation, local governance, and the administration of traditional and religious affairs.

For the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Parliament approved a budget of GH¢2,904,904,981.00 to enhance food production, agricultural modernisation, and food security initiatives across the country. The sector has been a key focus of government policy, with ongoing programmes to boost productivity and support farmers.

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources was allocated GH¢1,817,449,639.00, aimed at ensuring sustainable management of the country’s natural resources, tackling illegal mining, and enhancing forest conservation efforts.

In the sports sector, the Ministry of Sports and Recreation received an approved budget of GH¢65,899,456.00 to fund sporting activities, infrastructure development and national team support.

The allocation is expected to contribute to the growth of Ghana’s sports industry and improve athlete development.

The House also approved an amount of GH¢6, 371, 467, 598, 00 for the services of the Ministry of Defence for the year ending December 31, 2025.

Constitutional bodies

Parliament also approved GH¢15,668,348.00 for the National Media Commission (NMC) to oversee media regulation and press freedom in the country.

Additionally, the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) was allocated GH¢122,543,664.00 to continue its mandate of educating citizens on their rights, responsibilities and democratic values.

The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) received GH¢94,106,363.00 to support its work in promoting human rights, tackling corruption and ensuring administrative justice.

Furthermore, the Electoral Commission (EC) was granted GH¢177,647,045.00 to facilitate electoral operations and other key activities leading up to future elections.

Contributions by MPs

Members from both sides of the House made several submissions concerning the various budgetary allocations.

The Chairman of the Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Builsa North, James Agalga, told the House the huge indebtedness of the Defence Ministry that needed to be settled, including compensations amounting to a tune of GH¢4 billion out of a budgetary allocation of about GH¢6 billion.

The immediate past Defence Minister and New Patriotic Party (NPP) for Bimbilla, Dominic Nitiwul, in his contribution said the allocation to the Interior Ministry and National Security could not help in carrying out their operations in protecting the country's peace and security.

He added that if the work of the national security fell short, it would seriously affect the work of both the Interior and Defence ministries and suggested that the allocation for operations at the national security must be doubled for efficient delivery.