Afenyo-Markin blames NDC for disrupting government business, delaying transitional budget approval

The Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has accused the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) of deliberate obstruction of parliamentary business, blaming their actions for the delays in approving expenditure plans critical for Ghana’s public service in early 2025.

During a press briefing following Parliament’s adjournment to January 2, 2025, Mr. Afenyo-Markin assured the nation that the majority, led by the Finance Minister, remains ready to present the expenditure plan whenever Parliament is reconvened, even before December 31, 2024.

“Should Mr Speaker reconvene Parliament anytime soon before December 31, 2024, we as a majority, led by the finance minister, will proceed to do this expenditure on account to enable Ghanaian public servants to benefit,” he stated.

He dismissed claims that the Finance Minister was unprepared, pointing out that the expenditure proposal had been submitted to Parliament as early as October 23, 2024. Instead, he blamed what he described as “the lawlessness” of the NDC minority for obstructing parliamentary business, including earlier sittings to address the budget.

“It is as a result of the NDC’s lawlessness that we are where we are. Enough of the chaos. We call on Mr Speaker to demonstrate firmness to stop the lawlessness of the NDC minority,” Mr. Afenyo-Markin said.

The Majority Leader also highlighted previous instances where the opposition allegedly refused to cooperate, including their initial occupation of majority seats during parliamentary sittings. He expressed frustration over what he termed as inconsistent behaviour by the minority.

“Why is it that when Mr Speaker gave notice of Parliament resuming on the 16th, they went to their own seats? What suddenly changed?” he questioned.

Mr. Afenyo-Markin reaffirmed the majority’s commitment to ensuring the passage of critical legislation and financial plans, including the pre-SHS bill and the expenditure on account, in the interest of Ghanaians.

“Anytime Mr Speaker convenes Parliament, we will act as a responsible government to do what is necessary,” he said, reiterating the majority’s readiness to work despite opposition challenges.

The delays in addressing the transitional expenditure have sparked concerns, as Ghanaians await a resolution to ensure uninterrupted public service funding in the first quarter of 2025.