Salaries could delay if NDC continues stalling budget approval – Afenyo-Markin

The leader of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) caucus in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin says there could be salary delays if members from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) caucus in Parliament continue stalling the business of the House.

Mr Afenyo-Markin accused the NDC of intentionally delaying the approval of the budget for the first quarter of 2025, which he says is putting public sector workers salaries at risk.

At a press briefing on Thursday [Nov 7] moments after the Speaker adjourned Parliamentary meetings indefinitely for the second time in a few weeks but this time on the grounds that there was no business to conduct, Mr Afenyo-Markin expressed concerns that the ongoing political deadlock, largely caused by the NDC, would prevent the government from securing the necessary approval to pay salaries for public servants.

“The NDC is creating chaos. They want to disrupt the system so Ghanaians cannot receive their pay, all in an effort to create the impression of lawlessness,” he stated.

He explained that a delay in passing the budget, which requires Parliament’s approval, would prevent the government from accessing funds needed to pay essential workers.

Mr Afenyo-Markin emphasised that the government relies on Parliament’s approval of the budget to release funds for public sector wages.

Without this approval, he warned, public workers could face delays in receiving their salaries.

He also pointed out the wider implications of this disruption, particularly on the economy and public morale, as the country grapples with ongoing economic challenges.

“The NDC’s actions are sending the wrong message both locally and internationally about the stability of Ghana’s democracy and its ability to function effectively,” he warned.

He claimed that the NDC’s obstruction was part of a broader effort to block key government policies, such as the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme. 

He accused the NDC of working with the Speaker of Parliament to delay legislation vital to future educational reforms.

As the standoff continues, Afenyo-Markin vowed that the NPP caucus would not allow the NDC to “frustrate the government’s agenda” to succeed. 

He assured the public that the government would use all legal and constitutional measures to resolve the issue.