Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, Minister for Finance has requested from Ghana’s House of Parliament by resolution to approve an amount of GH¢27,434,180,520 (Twenty-Seven Billion, Four Hundred and Thirty-Four Million, One Hundred and Eighty Thousand, Five Hundred and Twenty Ghana Cedis) as Expenditure in Advance of Appropriation to carry on the services of government until the expiration of three months from the beginning of the 2021 Financial Year.
He also requested for the approval for the issuance of sovereign bonds of US$3 billion with the option to increase it to US$5 billion should market conditions prove favourable.
Speaking at the floor of Parliament to present the 2021 first quarter budget, he explained that the Expenditure in Advance of Appropriation forms part of the projected Revenue and Expenditure.
He announced that the Ministry of Finance will submit a more detailed 2021 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of Government to the House by March 2021.
Meanwhile, the Controller and Accountant-General will ensure that all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) operate strictly within the levels set in the Expenditure in Advance of Appropriation to be approved by the House.
He expressed the hope that because of God’s guidance and support, the President’s leadership, and our performance, Ghanaians will return the NPP government to power for four more for Nana to do even more and also to continue with the economic revitalisation and transformation programme.
He said, “we will continue to implement measures that will result in significant improvements in business regulations and their implementation, digitisation to improve quality and transparency of public service delivery, expanding access to finance for Ghanaian businesses, skills training, and energy sector reform when Ghanaians give us another mandate to ensure that Ghana goes beyond aid”.
He thanked the House for the help and support given him which together with his Ministry have passed more than 50 bills into law in the last four years.
Ken Ofori-Atta ended his presentation with Psalm 133 which reads thus, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity for then the hand bestows His blessings” and said, “We are a chosen people; we perceive what He is doing and we must be obedient to His call and be joyful and grateful for the battle remains the Lord’s”.
Story: Seth Ameyaw Danquah
