Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, Ghana's Minister of Finance, has officially presented the 2025 Expenditure in Advance of Appropriation budget to Parliament.

The mini-budget, valued at GH¢68.1 billion, is designed to finance critical government functions for the first quarter of 2025, ensuring fiscal stability during the transitional period following the 2024 elections.

This provisional budget proposal, submitted on January 2, 2025, addresses fears of a government shutdown due to earlier delays. Initially scheduled for November 15, 2024, the presentation was postponed amid a tense political atmosphere.

Key Allocations and Objectives

The budget prioritizes essential expenditures, including:

• Public sector salaries
• Statutory payments
• Maintenance of critical infrastructure
• Funding for social intervention programs

As required by Ghana’s constitution, the mini-budget serves as a safeguard against fiscal disruptions during election years, ensuring continuity in governance and public services.

Parliamentary Review Underway

The Second Deputy Speaker, Andrew Asiamah Amoako, has referred the budget document to the Budget and Finance Committees for a comprehensive review. Alongside this, budget estimates for the Parliament, Judiciary, and Audit Service were also presented for examination.

Dr. Amin Adam is expected to formally present the budget to the House later on January 2, with debates anticipated given the existing parliamentary impasse.

Political Tensions and Legislative Challenges

The budget presentation comes amid ongoing tensions between Ghana’s parliamentary majority and minority factions.

Disputes have been fueled by tax waiver contentions and a controversial declaration by Speaker Alban Bagbin that temporarily invalidated three majority seats. This impasse disrupted legislative business and delayed the budget process.

Despite these challenges, Parliament managed to pass the Environmental Protection Bill, 2024, which replaces the current EPA Act. The new legislation establishes the Environmental Protection Authority, introducing stricter climate mitigation measures and enhanced regulatory oversight.

Parliamentary Registration of New MPs

In parallel, the registration of newly elected MPs for Ghana’s ninth Parliament is underway. The process, which began on December 25, 2024, will conclude on January 6, 2025, with both online and in-person options available for members-elect.