The leadership of Parliament has urged Members of Parliament (MPs) to take full advantage of the ongoing 2025 Post-Budget Workshop to enhance their understanding of the national budget and contribute meaningfully to parliamentary debates.
Speaking at the workshop, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga emphasized the importance of the training, noting that MPs must familiarize themselves with the budget details to grasp the government’s policies for the year.
“This workshop is a vital opportunity for us to deeply analyze the budget, understand the government’s financial commitments, and ensure that policies align with national development goals,” he stated.
Supporting this view, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin underscored the technical nature of budgetary processes, urging MPs to use the workshop as a platform to strengthen their oversight functions and analytical skills.
“As parliamentarians, we come from diverse backgrounds, but governance has its own character. It is, therefore, necessary to go through the rudiments of understanding what is expected of us as representatives of the people,” he said.
Afenyo-Markin commended Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin for his leadership in organizing the workshop, as well as the Clerk to Parliament and other staff for their efforts in assembling resource persons for the training. He encouraged MPs, especially first-timers, to actively participate in the sessions rather than see them as routine or unimportant.
“Do not be too expectant, but participate. Spend time here. Don’t walk in and walk out. Stay in, build capacity, and gain confidence,” he advised.
Highlighting the importance of critical budget analysis, he cited an example from the 2025 budget, pointing out discrepancies in the allocation of funds.
“For instance, the Finance Minister tells us there’s $1.5 billion for agriculture, but when you check the expenditure column, only $924 million is allocated, with a significant portion going to compensation. These are the details MPs must scrutinize to hold the government accountable,” Afenyo-Markin noted.
He further urged MPs serving on various committees to take their roles seriously, adding that every parliamentary committee has a crucial role to play in shaping policies and ensuring effective governance.
“No matter where you have been placed, you will shine. If you pay attention to the fine details of the budget, you will be able to make a meaningful impact, and your constituents will see your contribution,” he reassured.
Both leaders stressed that MPs must remain focused, informed, and prepared when debating budget-related issues to ensure that national resources are allocated effectively and efficiently.
The 2025 Post-Budget Workshop serves as a platform to equip MPs with the necessary knowledge to engage constructively in budget debates and ensure government accountability in policy implementation.
