After days of debate laced with controversy, Parliament finally approved the 2024 Budget yesterday, December 7, 2023.
It took a headcount to decide the fate of the Budget, and the Majority was able to whip all members into the chamber to participate in the process.
After the headcount, the Majority had 138 Majority while 136 out of the 137 Minority members were present with the NDC member for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson absent.
Declaration
Declaring the results, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban S.K. Bagbin said, “Honorable members, at the end of the headcount, the Ayes had 138, Nos were 136, one absent. The ayes have it. Honorable members this house has accordingly approved the budget statement and economic policy of the government for the year ended 31st December 2024.”
In attendance was the Minister of of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta.
Background
The Speaker of Parliament, on Wednesday, November 29, declared a voice vote on the approval of the budget in favour of the Majority after the conclusion of the debate.
However, the Minority Caucus challenged the ruling and opted for a headcount, forcing the Majority group to stage a walkout.
The Speaker subsequently announced that the headcount vote would be conducted yesterday on the approval of the budget statement to pave the way for the approval of budget estimates.
