Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Suame Member of Parliament (MP), Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, has advised Members of Parliament to refrain from debating the midyear budget.
He emphasized that parliamentary rules do not permit a debate following the presentation of a statement.
Instead, the standing orders only allow for comments to be made on such presentations.
Mensah Bonsu urged MPs who wish to speak on the midyear budget to restrict their remarks to comments and avoid any statements that could incite a debate.
His cautionary message was meant to ensure that parliamentary procedures are adhered to, maintaining order and decorum during discussions.
This guidance from the ‘Leader Emeritus’ comes in the wake of a disagreement between the majority and minority leaders, who were eager to engage in a debate over the finance minister’s midyear budget review.
Mensah Bonsu’s intervention aimed to clarify the appropriate conduct and procedures for parliamentary discussions.
