Minority Invites Vice President Bawumia to Mid-Year Budget Debate Showdown

The NDC Minority in Parliament has extended a public invitation to Vice President Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia to participate in the upcoming debate on the Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review of the 2024 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the government of Ghana. This highly anticipated debate is scheduled to begin on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at 10:00 AM in the Parliamentary Chamber.

Given his prominent role as Chairman of the Economic Management Team, the Minority believes it is crucial for Vice President Bawumia to engage in this debate. Parliamentary rules allow a sitting Vice President to participate in floor debates, making this an opportune moment for Bawumia to address and account for his economic stewardship over the past seven and a half years.

This invitation follows Bawumia’s recent call for a debate on the economy, presenting him with the perfect forum to discuss his tenure and policies. The NDC Minority has prepared a formidable team of experts, ready to challenge and critique the economic performance of Bawumia’s administration. The team includes:

• Hon George Kweku Ricketts-Hagan– Development Chairman, Committee on Economy
• Hon Isaac Adongo – Ranking Member, Finance Committee
• Hon Thomas Ampem Nyarko – Chairman, Budget Committee
• Hon John Abdulai Jinapor – Ranking Member, Committee on Energy and Member of the Finance Committee
• Hon Eric Opoku Ranking Member, Food, Agriculture, and Cocoa Affairs, and Member of the Committee on Economy and Development
• Hon Laadi Ayii Ayamba – Member, Finance Committee and Ecowas Parliament
• Hon Joseph Bukari Nikpe – Ranking Member, Committee on Employment, Social Welfare, and Pensions

The Minority highlights the dire economic situation under the current government, citing World Bank statistics that show 33.3% of Ghanaians living in extreme poverty, two million facing acute food and nutrition insecurity, and 35% youth unemployment—the highest in the Fourth Republic.

The NDC Minority’s invitation to Vice President Bawumia is not just a call for debate but a challenge to defend his record. The public is urged to encourage Bawumia to accept this invitation and participate in the debate if he is confident in his achievements. Otherwise, the Minority suggests, he should remain silent.

Ahmed Ibrahim, MP Deputy Minority Whip