Parliament has launched its 2025 Post-Budget Workshop, designed to equip Members of Parliament (MPs) with the expertise and knowledge needed to thoroughly scrutinize the Government’s Budget Statement and Economic Policy.
Organized by the Parliamentary Service, the three-day workshop aims to deepen MPs’ understanding of the budget’s technical aspects, empowering them to fulfill their constitutional duties of budget approval, oversight, and effective governance.
At the opening session on Saturday, held within the Parliament precincts, Speaker Alban S.K. Bagbin emphasized the critical need for MPs to arm themselves with the necessary knowledge to debate and analyze the budget with precision.
Budget workshop
He stressed that grasping the budget goes beyond simply reading policy statements—it requires a clear understanding of the figures and their real-world impact on citizens’ lives.
“This workshop is designed to help us fully comprehend the budget—its policy statements, figures, and how they affect the people we represent: market women, teachers, students, and all Ghanaians,” he explained.
The Speaker urged MPs to pay close attention to details, pointing out inconsistencies such as the agriculture sector’s stated GH¢1.5 billion funding, while only GH¢900 million was allocated in expenditures.
“When you pay attention, you uncover these discrepancies and can hold the Finance Minister accountable,” he said.
The Speaker encouraged both new and old MPs to actively participate in the sessions, noting that their engagement would directly influence the quality of their contributions during parliamentary debates.
“Don’t assume you know it all. The difference between impactful contributions and lackluster ones often lies in whether MPs fully engage in workshops like this,” he advised.
He charged the Majority Caucus to ensure that the budget aligns with the promises made to Ghanaians, while urging the Minority to rigorously examine the document, highlight weaknesses, and advocate for the best outcomes for the nation.
In his opening remarks, Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Dijetor, undersocred the budget’s significance as a blueprint for national priorities.
“The Budget Statement and Economic Policy is one of the most critical documents in our nation’s governance—a reflection of our collective vision, priorities, and aspirations,” he stated.
He emphasized the importance of MPs critically scrutinizing the budget to ensure that government spending aligns with the needs of citizens.
Through rigorous analysis, he said, the Ninth Parliament can ensure the 2025 Budget effectively addresses pressing national issues.
Workshop focus and key discussions
The workshop features plenary and breakout sessions covering essential aspects 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 delve into 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 central pillar of the Mahama administration’s economic transformation agenda.