Okudzeto Ablakwa sums up the 2023 Budget Approval in Parliament

The Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu Constituency Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa summed up the success of the 2023 Budget Approval in Parliament for the general public to have a fair knowledge of the process they are undertaking.

Earlier, Ken Ofori-Atta the Finance Minister read the 2023 Financial Budget at the Parliament where major issues were captured in his documents.

The Committee in Parliament deliberated on the contents of the budget before approval.

After thorough scrutiny by the NDC Caucus in Parliament, they scaled down the budget to fit the size and strength of the Ghanaian economy.

Below are the outcomes of the efforts of the NDC Caucus in Parliament as announced by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa:

• The sum of GH¢1.3billion (€ 116 million) for Accra International Conference Centre Demolition and Redevelopment plans have been scuttled.

• Projections to establish new diplomatic missions in Jamaica, Mexico, and Trinidad & Tobago have also been shot down.

• The allocated sum of GH¢80million to the National Cathedral has also been expunged from the Appropriation Act.

• The sum of GH¢1.4billion as a request for the Contingency Vote has been cut drastically to GH¢533million.

• The proposal to remove the e-Levy threshold has been trashed.

• The sum of GH¢27.5million allocation to the Special Development Initiatives Secretariat & Monitoring and Evaluation Secretariat all at the Office of the President has been trashed also. The 2 Secretariats have therefore virtually collapsed as well.

• The tax measure intended to compel drivers, particularly commercial drivers to produce tax clearance certificates as a requirement for renewing a driver’s license has also been defeated.

• On the crucial VAT vote issue, Hon. Okudzeto added said, “despite an unwavering determination of the NDC Parliamentary Caucus to achieve all we set out to accomplish in solidarity with suffering Ghanaians, we lost the crucial VAT vote by a narrow 136-135.”

“This is the only item on our 8-Point Must-Win-Agenda which we failed to deliver, and for which we are deeply pained. We did our very best but as they say, it’s always difficult to win everything. Nevertheless, we live to fight another day.”

He also encouraged and called for patriotism. “Together, with a high dose of patriotism and unquestionable integrity, we shall construct the Ghana we want.”

SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh