Ghana Parliament Approves Provisional Budget Amid Transition of Power

Ghana Parliament Approves Provisional Budget Amid Transition of Power

Ghana’s parliament has passed a provisional budget that will allow the government to spend $4.65 billion through March, ensuring that the country’s operations continue smoothly during the political transition. The budget approval came just days before outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo was scheduled to deliver his final state of the nation address after eight years in office.

The passage of the provisional budget comes as John Dramani Mahama, the leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), is set to take office next week. Mahama’s inauguration marks a significant shift in the country’s leadership, as he returns to power after having served as president from 2012 to 2017.

Typically, provisional budgets are passed in November during election years, but this time the process was delayed due to a dispute over which party — the outgoing New Patriotic Party (NPP) or the incoming NDC — holds the majority of seats in the House. The deadlock in parliament had left the budget approval in limbo for several weeks, but Finance Minister  Dr Mohammed Amin Adam assured the public that the delay would not disrupt government operations.

The provisional budget serves as a temporary spending plan, allowing the government to continue its activities while finalizing the national budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The approval ensures that essential services and commitments can proceed uninterrupted, even as political parties prepare for the leadership transition.

Despite the political uncertainty, the passing of the budget is seen as a crucial step in ensuring stability and continuity for Ghana’s economy during this transition period.

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