Parliament rejects 2022 budget after Majority walkout

Parliament has rejected the 2022 budget which was presented by the Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta last week Wednesday 17 November 2021.

Members on the Majority side of Parliament prior to the rejection of the budget by solely NDC MPs staged a walkout  after a disagreement over a voice vote which did not go in their favour.

“Clearly, the No’s have it. The motion is accordingly lost”, the Speaker ruled.

I’m being insulted because of you

Meanwhile the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has chided the Minority Caucus for subjecting him to public ridicule by their actions and comments because of the delay in resuming sitting today (26 November).

The Speaker had earlier suspended sitting for 30 minutes to allow the Majority members, who were in a caucus meeting, to return to the chamber of Parliament.

However, the House took more than two hours to resume sitting, which prompted the Minority members to chant, sing songs and criticise the House leadership.

Bagbin, who was clearly not happy with the actions of the Minority, said he has his reputation to protect in serving the nation.

The Speaker said the delay was caused by an audience he granted the Minister for Finance and leaders of both sides as the House prepared to vote on the 2022 Budget.

“I’m saying that the suspension was for 30 minutes but it has taken us two hours or more to return, and that is because, the subject matter that we are to discuss, there’s been new development … and as Speaker, I have to be briefed.

“So your leaders came with the Minister for Finance to brief me. Should I ignore them and come and preside because I’ve suspended sitting for 30 minutes?

“Go through the media and see how I’m being insulted. Please, the only thing I have is my reputation … Please let’s be honourable Members of Parliament.”