ACCRA: Mr. Kofi Iddie Adams, the National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament for Buem, has advocated for the Parliament of Ghana to conduct its upcoming post-budget workshop within the confines of Parliament instead of an external location. This call was made amidst the current economic challenges faced by the country.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Minister for Finance, Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta, is set to present the Business Statement and Economic Policy of the Government of Ghana for the year ending December 31, 2024, to Parliament on Wednesday, November 15. Following this, the Vice Chairman of the Business Committee, Mr. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, announced that the traditional post-budget workshop for MPs is scheduled to be held at the Rock City Hotel, Kwahu Nkwatia in the Eastern Region from November 17 to 19, 2023.
However, Mr. Adams has proposed holding the workshop at Parliament House in Accra as a cost-saving measure. He argued that hosting the event at an external venue like Rock City Hotel would incur significant expenses, particularly for accommodating staff and other auxiliary staff of the House. In light of the country’s current economic situation, he emphasized the need for the Legislature to set an example by opting for an in-house workshop.
Addressing the Parliamentary Press Corps, Mr. Adams refuted claims that MPs would be distracted if the event were held in Parliament. He pointed out that Parliament routinely handles important business, including debating the budget, without distraction. Therefore, he believes that conducting the post-budget workshop on-site would not pose any challenges.
Mr. Adams estimated that hosting the workshop within Parliament could save the country approximately GhS1.4 million in accommodation costs alone, based on an assumed cost of GhS1,700 per room. His call is seen as an effort to demonstrate fiscal responsibility and prudent use of resources by the Legislature.