The 2024 budget is a critical one and, thus, must be treated as such by parliament, Speaker Alban Bagbin has said.

In a post-budget workshop in parliament, Mr Bagbin said: "It is our duty to strive to improve upon the welfare of the people we serve". 

He said: "Even though we see this as business-as-usual for parliament, this time around, it’s more critical than before". 

"This budget is a critical budget, and I want us to take time because leadership has discussed it with me, and we have enough time for you to deliberate on the budget", he told the MPs.

Mr Bagbin said: "We are, therefore, expecting that you will not come and just make political statements or propaganda". 

"Please listen to the voices of our people and do a critical analysis of the budget", the speaker noted.

Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta presented the budget on Wednesday, 15 November.

Among other things, he disclosed that the economy is expected to hit GH¢1 trillion in 2024 from GH¢219.5 billion in 2016.

He also announced a raft of tax reliefs.