Members of Parliament over the weekend, underwent a three day intensive learning exercise aimed at sharpening their knowledge ahead of the 2018 budget debate which seeks to scrutinize government’s Economic and Financial Statement for 2018 as presented to Parliament by the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning.

The exercise which brought together almost all Parliamentarians and their Leadership including the Speaker, was more than success, since it drew resource persons of high repute and Civil Society leadership who schooled members on the budget and economic knowledge

Speaking during the Opening Ceremony, Leadership of the House were of the view that the exercise was going to broaden member’s knowledge and equip them with the necessary tools needed to scrutinize the budget and offer best alternatives where necessary.

The three day Seminar brought together great personalities such as Dr. E. E. Onumah of the Department of Agri-business of the University of Ghana, Dr. Eric Oduro Osae, Dean of Graduate Studies of the Institute of Local Government Studies, Prof. Kwaku Atuahene-Gima, Dr. Mrs. Casley-Haford, a Development Consultant, Mr. Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI Ghana, Dr. Baah Boateng, and lots of rainy economists of high repute.

Members were taking through all aspects and sectors of the 2018 budget, with other facilitators punching holes and exercising constructive critique of the budget.

Topics treated included (but not limited to) ‘The Agric Sector and the 2018 Budget by Dr. E. E. Onumah, Decentralization – 2018 Budget and Composite Budgeting by Dr. Eric Oduro Osae, Innovation and Employment Generation – the 2018 Budget by Prof. Kweku Atuahene-Gima, Education and the 2018 Budget by Dr. Mrs. Casley-Hayford, Civil Society’s Perspective on the 2018 Budget by Mr. Franklin Cudjoe, Public Sector Wages and the 2018 Budget by Dr. William Baah Boateng’ among others.

Members also had opportunity to offer their views on the Budget and enough room to express themselves by way of questions and comments.

Leadership at the end of the program were highly satisfied with the successful outcome of the program, commending members for their cooperation, brilliance and sense of maturity.

The Minority Leader on his part wanted to know whether there is seed capital for the new districts in the budget, and whether budgetary allocations had been made for the yet to be created new regions.

Similarly, he wondered whether there was adequate provision in terms of budget for the running of the Referendum the Constitution mandates us to undertake before new regions are created.

Members variously expressed satisfaction about the program.

Members of Parliament in a group photograph with their Leadership during the 3 day Post Budget Seminar.

Story by: Fred E. Aggrey

 

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