2022 budget: You don’t determine policies for executive – Asantehene to MPs

The Asantehene, Otumfou Osei Tutu II, has said it is not the role of lawmakers to determine policy proplsas to the executive.

He has therefore asked legislators not to frustrate the government in the implementation of its policies. He also asked the government to accept inputs made by other stakeholders, in the 2022 budget statement.

Although he advised the house not to frustrate government in its role of implementing policies, the administration must also welcome other suggestions.

He made the statement at Manhyia Palace on Sunday December 12.

“It is to our good that our representatives in Parliament subject national budget to the most vigorous scrutiny and to call for changes. Government must always also have the humility to acknowledge and embrace useful inputs from all sources.

“But our representatives need to also bear in mind that it is not the role to either determine policy for the executive or to frustrate them from performing their legitimate duty,” he said.

His comments come on the heels of the sharp division among lawmakers regarding the approval of the2022 budget statement.

For instance, the Minority in Parliament who have opposed the 1.75 per cent e-levy said their position on the policy proposal had not shifted.

The opposition lawmakers said the proposed levy is regressive, punitive and draconian, and that same must be suspended.

a statement signed by Asawase Member of Parliament, Muntaka Mubarak on Friday December 3 said ”The NDC Caucus in Parliament wishes to assure Ghanaians that it will continue to use every legitimate and lawful channel to resist the 1.75% E-Levy government is seeking to impose on the ordinary Ghanaian.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the position of the NDC Caucus in Parliament right from the outset of the 2022 Budget debate has been that the 1.75% E-Levy government is seeking to impose is regressive, punitive and draconian, and that same must be suspended.

“The Minority Caucus has vigorously championed this position in Parliament and in the media space to draw Government’s attention to our demands. Subsequent to our rejection of the Budget on 26th November, 2021, government has sought to engage the NDC Caucus in a series of discussions towards finding an amicable solution to the impasse.

“Surprisingly despite the good faith demonstrated by the NDC team recognising the importance of the Budget to the economy, business and households, the government side out-rightly rejected our proposal for a revision of the E-levy leading to a breakdown of the discussions.

“We wish to state unequivocally that no concrete decision or agreement has been reached between government and the NDC Caucus in Parliament on this matter.

“As we speak, government’s so-called concessions are unknown to us and we have no clear indication that they intend to seriously consider any of the proposals that have come up.

“Under the circumstance we wish to state that the NDC Caucus will maintain its original position as stated earlier.”