Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has underscored the importance of Members of Parliament (MPs) gaining a comprehensive understanding of both the policy and financial dimensions of the 2025 national budget to ensure strong oversight after its approval.
According to him, while MPs may excel in their respective fields, parliamentary governance demands continuous learning and sharp analytical skills.
Speaking at the opening of a two-day post-budget workshop on Saturday, March 15, 2024, he urged colleague MPs to actively participate in the training sessions to strengthen their oversight capabilities and contribute more effectively to parliamentary debates.
The workshop aims to deepen MPs’ understanding of the government’s economic policy statement, enabling them to scrutinize allocations and hold the government accountable.
Afenyo-Markin emphasized the importance of budget scrutiny, using the agricultural sector as an example.
He said, “For instance, the Minister of Finance announces GH¢1.5 billion for agriculture, but when you examine the expenditure column, you find that over GH¢900 million is allocated, with a significant portion going to compensation. What does this mean for our agricultural policies?”
He also pointed out inconsistencies in funding priorities, noting that while the school feeding program receives over GH¢2 billion, other critical sectors are significantly underfunded. A
The Minority leader stressed that MPs must be equipped with such insights to provide effective oversight on government spending and ensure accountability.
Encouraging first-time MPs, he advised them to remain committed to the process and use the workshop as an opportunity to hone their legislative skills.
“Don’t see this as a tedious exercise. Stay engaged, build your capacity, and grow your confidence. Your contributions matter, regardless of your committee placement,” he said, drawing from his own experience as a former backbencher.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by first-time MPs, Afenyo-Markin encouraged them to stay committed and use the opportunity to sharpen their legislative skills.
“Don’t see this as a boring process. Don’t be too expectant, but participate, spend time, and don’t walk in and walk out. Stay in, build capacity, and build confidence,” he advised.
Reflecting on his early days as a backbencher, he reassured MPs that regardless of committee placements, they have the potential to make an impact.
“Wherever you’ve been placed, you will shine. Pay attention to the budget, and when the opportunity comes, you will be able to make a meaningful impact, and your constituents will see your contribution,” he remarked.
Call for diligence
Afenyo-Markin called for dedication from all Parliamentarians, urging them to stay engaged throughout the workshop.
“When the day comes, and you are debating while some backbenchers are heckling you, you will remain resolute, firm, and deliver with that nostalgic competence you’ve developed from the training.”
The workshop concluded on Sunday with discussions covering key areas of the 2025 budget, including revenue generation, expenditure allocation, and sectoral priorities.
Key discussions
The workshop features plenary and breakout sessions covering critical areas of the 2025 budget, including:
– The macroeconomic and fiscal environment
– Public sector debt management
– Revenue mobilization and taxation strategies
– Policy objectives, sector estimates, and Programme-Based Budgeting (PBB)
Breakout sessions will focus on key sectors such as education, health, agriculture, employment generation, and infrastructure. The workshop will conclude with a plenary session on the “24-Hour Economy and the 2025 Budget,” a cornerstone of the Mahama administration’s economic transformation agenda.
By Osumanu Al-Hassan/thenewsbulletin24.com