The Minister of Finance, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, was absent in Parliament on December 20, 2024, when he was expected to present a mini-budget covering the first part of 2025, as a new government takes over.
The absence of the minister meant that there was no budget presented to Parliament.
The minister had been absent from Parliament for four consecutive days, leaving the budget for the first quarter of the coming year in limbo.
His absence has raised significant concerns among Members of Parliament, with some accusing the government of neglecting its fiscal responsibilities during this crucial transitional period.
Speaking on the floor of the House on December 19, 2025, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson expressed frustration over the Minister of Finance’s continued absence and urged him to carry out his constitutional duties.
He warned that failing to present the mini-budget on time could have severe legal and political repercussions.
“There are severe penalties for not doing this, including a jail term,” Dr Forson stated.
Earlier, a former Minister of Finance, Seth Terkper, warned that if Ghana’s Parliament does not pass a provisional budget by December 7, 2024, it risks a government shutdown and a cut in spending in the new year.
Traditionally, the government was expected to pass a provisional budget in November during election years to maintain stability until the new president-elect takes office.
He said: “We risk a government shutdown or, at best, reduced government spending from January.”
According to him, the government may need to reduce interest payments and funding for the transition unless a budget is passed in December.
This would be the first time in over 30 years that Ghana has failed to pass a budget.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has since adjourned the House until January 2, 2025.
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
