A parliamentary discourse analyst at the University of Cape Coast, Prof. Kwabena Sarfo Sarfo Kantanka has called on the minority in parliament to work together and provide alternative solutions on the rejection of the 2022 budget statement.
The 2022 budget statement presented to Parliament by the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori Atta was on Friday, November 26 rejected by the Minority in Parliament.
The Majority members staged a walkout during the proceedings due to the disagreement over voice vote which did not favor them. This, however, did not stop the Speaker, Alban Bagbin, from ruling on the motion.
Speaking in an interview on the ATLANTIC WAVE Monday, Prof. Kantanka called on the minority not to reject the budget statement but to help Ghana move forward in its revenue generation and fiscal policy.
To him, while they oppose the budget, they ought to give alternatives.
“So assuming the government withdraws the e-levy, how are we also going to raise revenue as a country? So if you make these proposals and you are not able to offer alternatives then it will appear a though you are only opposing for its sake.”
Prof. Sarfo Kantanka said the country must have an opposition that is bent on helping Ghana move forward adding that there must be some level of responsibility on the part of the minority in parliament.
Meanwhile, the minority in a statement issued on Sunday described the Majority of the house as “irresponsible” and advised the Majority Leader and Government to accept defeat and also acknowledge the rejection of the 2022 Budget Statement and Economic Policy by Parliament.
They expect them to rather focus on “discussions on how to save the country from an imminent economic crisis”.
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Source: Richard Osei Korankye/ATLFMNEWS
