Dr. Ato Forson Cautions Akufo-Addo Administration on Accountability for Unfulfilled January Promises

Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority Leader in Ghana’s Parliament, has issued a firm warning to the government, stating that it will be held accountable for any unmet commitments between January 1 and January 7, 2025. His remarks were prompted by the Finance Minister’s failure to present a mini-budget for the first quarter of the upcoming year. Dr. Ato Forson’s comments came after Parliament adjourned until January 2, 2025, and reflect growing concerns over the lack of preparation by the government to ensure the smooth operation of the economy in the early days of the new year.

In a press briefing, Dr. Forson voiced serious concerns about the implications of the government’s failure to meet its commitments for the start of 2025. He stressed that the absence of a mini-budget could have far-reaching consequences, including disruptions to essential services and obligations. He noted that these disruptions could create unnecessary burdens for the Ghanaian people, further exacerbating the country’s economic challenges. The lack of planning for the beginning of the year, according to Dr. Forson, represents a significant failure in governance, which could lead to widespread hardship if not addressed immediately.

Dr. Forson pointed out that, in light of the Finance Minister’s failure to present the mini-budget, the Vice President has the option to present the expenditure plan in advance of appropriation after January 7, 2025, following his swearing-in. He explained that once the House is properly constituted, the expenditure plan could be expedited for approval to ensure that government operations and essential services are not disrupted. However, he made it clear that the government should not be relying on last-minute solutions and that proactive planning was essential to avoid putting undue strain on the public.

While acknowledging his disappointment with the government’s lack of preparation, Dr. Forson stressed that the outgoing administration, under President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Bawumia, would bear full responsibility for any unmet commitments and obligations of the state from January 1, 2025, onwards. He emphasized that the government’s failure to present a budget in a timely manner was a clear sign of poor governance, and it was critical for the administration to take immediate steps to address the situation. Dr. Forson warned that continued delays and lack of accountability could lead to significant hardship for the Ghanaian people, especially in a time when many are already grappling with economic difficulties.

The Minority Leader further highlighted the importance of transparency and planning in maintaining public confidence. He explained that the government’s lack of proactive planning had led to a situation where the country was now facing uncertainty regarding its financial outlook for the early part of 2025. Dr. Forson reaffirmed the Minority’s commitment to holding the government accountable, stressing that the government must take responsibility for its actions, or lack thereof. He called for immediate action to ensure that the financial needs of the country, including the payment of public servants and the funding of essential services, are met without delay.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Forson emphasized that the situation was a direct result of governance failures and highlighted the urgent need for the government to act swiftly. He reiterated that the Minority would continue to play its role in holding the administration to account, ensuring that transparency and proper planning guide the country’s economic recovery. Dr. Forson’s warning underscores the critical need for the government to fulfill its responsibilities to the people of Ghana, especially as the country enters the new year, with pressing fiscal challenges and uncertainty about how the economy will fare in the early months of 2025.