Parliament has adjourned its final session of the year without the presentation of the anticipated 2025 Mini-Budget, raising concerns about fiscal preparedness and a potential government shutdown from 1 January 2025.

The Mini-Budget, a constitutional requirement, was expected to outline key strategies for revenue generation, expenditure priorities, and fiscal stability ahead of the incoming administration.

However, Finance Minister Dr Mohammed Amin Adam failed to present the document, prompting Speaker Alban Bagbin to adjourn parliamentary proceedings to Thursday, 2 January 2024.

Reacting to the situation, Minority Leader Dr Cassiel Ato Forson expressed disappointment, accusing the outgoing administration of neglecting its duty to ensure a smooth fiscal transition.

“In the spirit of a good transition, it was expected that the outgoing president, acting pursuant to Article 180 of the Constitution, would act in good faith by presenting a proposal for expenditure to cover the first quarter of 2025,” Dr Forson stated.

He added: “Regrettably, President Akufo-Addo has planned to leave the public service without provision for the first quarter of 2025. However, I assure the people of Ghana that the incoming NDC government will act swiftly after 7 January 2025 to address this situation.”

Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin attributed the delay to what he described as the disruptive actions of the Minority, but assured that the Finance Minister would present an Expenditure in Advance of Appropriation Bill when Parliament reconvenes in January.