NDC Promises Swift Action on First Quarter Spending After January 7, 2025

The Minority Leader in Parliament, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has offered assurances to Ghanaians, promising that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will take immediate and decisive action to address the country’s expenditure needs for the first quarter of 2025 once they assume office on January 7. His statement comes after concerns were raised about the Finance Minister’s failure to present the 2025 mini-budget, leaving uncertainty about the country’s financial arrangements at the start of the new year.

During a press briefing in Parliament, after the House adjourned until January 2, 2025, Dr. Forson expressed his disappointment with the outgoing government’s lack of preparation for the upcoming year. He described the situation as a clear example of poor governance, noting the failure to present the mini-budget as a serious oversight that could disrupt the smooth functioning of essential services and commitments.

Dr. Forson highlighted the potential repercussions of this failure, stating that ordinary citizens would bear the brunt of the disruptions resulting from the absence of the mini-budget. He warned that any unfulfilled obligations or delays in financial planning would negatively impact the everyday lives of Ghanaians, and he stressed that the current administration should be held accountable for these shortcomings.

The Minority Leader further emphasized that the NDC administration would take all necessary measures to ensure that the country’s financial system remains on track as they take over the reins of government in January. He reassured Ghanaians that, despite the challenges posed by the outgoing government’s lack of fiscal planning, the NDC would act with urgency to meet the country’s expenditure needs, particularly for the first quarter of 2025.

He also acknowledged the challenges the country may face during the transition period but made it clear that the NDC would not allow these challenges to cause further hardship for the citizens. According to Dr. Forson, the new government would work to safeguard the interests of the public, ensuring that key financial obligations are met in a timely manner.

Dr. Forson urged the outgoing government to take responsibility for its actions and ensure a smooth transition of power. He stressed that the handover process should not result in unnecessary economic difficulties or delays that would adversely affect the nation’s financial stability. The NDC Leader called for collaborative efforts from all parties involved in the transition to ensure that the process does not create any additional stress for the country.

Reassuring the public, Dr. Forson explained that although the Finance Minister would not be in office on January 7, 2025, the Vice President could present the necessary expenditure plans to Parliament in advance of any appropriation. He clarified that Parliament would be duly constituted and would expedite the approval process to ensure that the necessary funds for the first quarter of 2025 would be made available to prevent disruptions in public services.

“There is no cause for alarm,” Dr. Forson confidently stated, assuring the public that the NDC would quickly and effectively address the expenditure concerns. He emphasized that despite the challenges posed by the outgoing administration’s failure to present a mini-budget, the NDC would ensure that the country’s financial systems continue to operate efficiently and that key financial obligations are met without delay.

Dr. Forson’s comments were aimed at calming public fears over the uncertainty surrounding the first quarter of 2025 and ensuring that the NDC would be fully prepared to manage the country’s financial needs upon assuming office. He reiterated that the NDC was committed to a seamless transition and would take immediate action to address any budgetary shortfalls left by the outgoing administration.