The Minority in Parliament is mounting pressure on Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyeman to actively participate in the upcoming debate on the 2025 budget.
The Caucus argued that, as Chairperson of the government’s Economic Management Team, her absence would be a glaring oversight, given her role in articulating the economic policies of the Mahama administration.
During discussions on the Business Statement for next week, Patrick Yaw Boamah, Member of Parliament for Okaikoi Central, called on the Business Committee to formally invite the Vice President. Parliament is scheduled to begin debating the budget on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
2025 budget debate
Yaw Boamah emphasized the importance of her presence, stating, “Mr. Speaker, it is crucial to see her in action on the floor to debate the President’s economic and financial policy, especially as a former Minister for Education. Her participation would be vital in articulating the policy decisions of His Excellency President Mahama.”
“She’s been accorded all the advisors. Former party chairman Ofosu Ampofo is in her office. My constituent Alex Segbefia is there, Maame Ama Pratt is there as Press Secretary so she should come.”
He referred to Article 111 of the Constitution, which grants the Vice President, ministers, and deputy ministers who are not Members of Parliament the right to participate in proceedings and enjoy parliamentary privileges, excluding voting and holding office.
Hon. Boamah criticized the Business Committee for allocating time for ministers but excluding the Vice President, stressing that her participation would set a precedent as the country’s first female Vice President.
However, Isaac Adongo, Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central, expressed skepticism about the Minority’s request. He pointed out that while the Vice President has the constitutional right to participate, she cannot be forced to do so.
Adongo also questioned the Minority’s inconsistency, recalling that they did not extend similar invitations to former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia when the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was in power.
“A few weeks ago, our colleagues in the Minority were on this side of the House. Did they ever program Vice President Dr. Bawumia to appear in Parliament? Or did they assume he was not entitled to?” Adongo challenged.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Bernard Ahiafor acknowledged the Minority’s concerns but clarified that the Business Committee does not need to formally invite the Vice President, as her participation is already guaranteed under Article 111 of the 1992 Constitution.
He stressed that the absence of an explicit mention in the Business Statement should not hinder her from joining the debate.
By Osumanu Al-Hassan/thenewsbulletin24.com