Parliament has approved the 2021 budget by a majority vote on the floor of the House.
The approval followed the rejection of a voice vote by deputy Minority Leader James Klutse Avedzi after first deputy Speaker Joseph Osei-Wusu who was presiding nearly ruled in favor of the majority.
Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin who was absent when sitting commenced, later turned up in the course of the exercise to take over.
This enabled his deputy Joseph Osei-Owusu to vote.
After the laborious exercise, the absence of three minority MPs gave the side 134 votes as against 137 to the majority.
Second deputy Speaker and Fomena MP Andrews Asiamah who came in late, however, did not vote.
Speaking to Starr News after proceedings, majority MPs Michael Okyere Baafi of New Juaben South and Alexander Akwasi Acquah of Akim Oda faulted the NDC MPs for the stance while defending the levies in the budget
Ranking member for the Finance Committee and minority spokesperson on finance Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson expressed his excitement about the development.
According to him, his side got the caretaker Finance Minister Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu to admit there are discrepancies in the figures in the 2021 budget.
The Suame MP assured the necessary corrections will be effected.
However, some NDC Supporters have expressed disappointment once again in the leadership of the minority caucus for their inability to put brakes on the budget which they themselves have heavily criticized.
The Supporters also expressed disappointment that 3 MPs could be absent at such a crucial time.
Source: StarrFmOnline
