Despite earlier threats to boycott the 2023 Budget and Economic Policy if presented by the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, both Minority and Majority Members of Parliament on Thursday, were present in the chamber for the budget presentation.
The Minority in Parliament on Wednesday backtracked on its earlier threat after some overtures from the government for them not to boycott the budget.
The Minority assured of its full participation despite a censure motion against the under-fire Finance Minister.
The group stated that in as much as it lacks confidence in the Minister, it will not boycott the budget presentation to ensure the country is not grounded.
The Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu spoke to journalists on Wednesday on the back of moves by the Minority legislators to get the Minister removed over what they say is his mismanagement of the economy.
“The country probably must run, will run and will not necessarily be grounded to a halt by an irresponsible Minority. But we will watch the posture and conduct of our colleagues on the other side, and that will determine our body language. Workers will have to be paid from a budget, the private sector will have to be assured from a budget, so we are looking at the substance, not the form. But we know that, we have no faith in the Minister for Finance”, the Minority leader emphasized.
Members of the Majority caucus who had on several occasions threatened to boycott the budget softened their position after the Council of elders of the New Patriotic Party intervened and urged them to rescind their decision.
This is a constitutional exercise to be carried out by the Finance Minister on behalf of the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The budget according to the Ministry of Finance will focus on government’s strategies to restore and stabilize the macroeconomy, build resilience and promote inclusive growth and value creation
