The Minority in Parliament has described as unconstitutional, the decision by their Majority counterparts to approve the 2022 Budget Statement and Economic Policy in their absence.
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, the Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu stressed that the purported approval of the 2022 Budget by the Majority is a slap in the face of the law; basing his assertions on Article 104 (3) of the Constitution, and standing order 109 of Parliament.
According to him, the combined effect of the two provisions, read in a purposive manner, points to a manifest illegality on the part of the Majority, as they did not have the required numbers to approve the Budget.
The Minority Leader and MP for Tamale South, bemoaned the unconstitutionality masterminded by his colleagues in the Majority.
"Therefore if they claim that they respect the Constitution, they must respect the fact that today's decision is a constitutional nullity because the Deputy Speaker has no original or casting vote. Nothing more. And therefore, they were at best, 137", Haruna Iddrisu explained.
He further indicated that, based on the conduct of the Majority, his Caucus will resort to the use of headcounts in determining all issues which will come before the the House.
For him "cooperation has suffered" and therefore, the Minority will take a cue from it and be advised accordingly.
The presser by the Minority was triggered by Parliament's rescission of its approval of the 2022 Budget on Friday, November, 26 and subsequent re-approval by a Majority-only House on Tuesday, November, 30 in their absence.
After the motion was carried, the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta re-tabled the 2022 Budget and Economic Policy and urged the House to approve it accordingly.
He however indicated that the Budget factored some concessions, following deliberations and concerns from the Minority MPs in Parliament.
Meanwhile, some Ghanaians on social media have expressed varied opinions about the recent developments in Parliament. While some have welcomed the approval of the budget, others are of the opinion that the NPP are bullying their way, to impose the 1.75% e-levy on Ghanaians.
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