The Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, has stressed the critical role of the national budget as a mirror of the nation’s priorities and aspirations.
Speaking at the opening of a two-day post-budget workshop on the 2025 Budget in Parliament on Saturday, March 15, he emphasized that the Budget Statement and Economic Policy is a vital governance document outlining fiscal measures that reflect the collective vision of the nation.
Mr. Djietror urged Members of Parliament (MPs) to rigorously scrutinize the budget to ensure it aligns with the needs of citizens.
Post-Budget Workshop
The Post-Budget Workshop, organized by the Parliamentary Service, aims to equip MPs with the technical knowledge and expertise required to effectively analyze, approve, and oversee the government’s fiscal plans. This, he noted, is essential for good governance and national development.
Citing former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Mr. Djietror reminded attendees that “Good governance is perhaps the single most important factor in eradicating poverty and promoting development.”
He stressed that the 2025 Budget must be evaluated on its ability to tackle pressing national issues such as job creation, poverty reduction, and equitable access to essential services.
The workshop features plenary and breakout sessions, delving into key aspects of the budget, including the macroeconomic and fiscal environment, public debt management, revenue mobilization, and sector-specific policies.
Breakout sessions will focus on critical areas like education, health, agriculture, employment, and infrastructure.
The event will culminate in a plenary discussion on the “24-Hour Economy and the 2025 Budget,” a cornerstone of Ghana’s economic transformation agenda.
Mr. Djietror encouraged MPs to actively engage in discussions, challenge assumptions, and use evidence-based analysis to evaluate fiscal policies.
“Superior argument backed by data should be the hallmark of every parliamentarian,” he asserted, urging participants to ensure the budget truly serves the people.
He expressed gratitude to the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, the Ministry of Finance, the Parliamentary Training Institute, the resource persons and the Parliamentary Service staff for their contributions to the workshop.
He emphasized that the event provides a unique opportunity to ask tough questions, refine policies, and ensure the 2025 Budget aligns with Ghana’s developmental goals.
The workshop is expected to enhance MPs’ capacity to engage meaningfully in the upcoming budget debates, ensuring that fiscal policies are both impactful and responsive to the nation’s needs.
By Osumanu Al-Hassan/thenewsbulletin24.com