President Akufo-Addo has given the green light to the 2025 budget estimates for the Judicial Service, Audit Service, and Parliament. Apexnewsgh reports
The announcement was made by Speaker Alban Bagbin during a parliamentary session held on December 18, 2024.
These approved budget estimates are a constitutional necessity as they await the formal presentation of the “Expenditure in Advance of Appropriation” by the Finance Minister. Speaker Bagbin shared the President’s communication detailing the proposed budget allocations for the first quarter of the upcoming financial year, which are crucial for the functioning of these institutions and will undergo thorough parliamentary scrutiny following the Minister’s submission.
The budget for the Judicial Service was submitted by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo on October 21, 2024, in line with Article 179(3) of the Constitution. The total financial requirement for the judiciary and judicial service in the first quarter of 2025 comes to GHS 276,499,903. This allocation covers various needs, including compensation, goods and services, and capital expenditure.
Similarly, the Audit Service, represented by its board chairman Professor Edward Dua Agyeman, put forth its budget request on October 27, 2024. The proposed funding for the Audit Service stands at GHS 217,342,587 and also encompasses compensation, goods and services, and capital projects, adhering to Section 27(2) of the Audit Service Act, 2000 (Act 584).
Parliament and the Parliamentary Service also presented their budget, with Speaker Bagbin officially submitting their request on October 29, 2024. The financial allocation for the first quarter of 2025 amounts to GHS 450,578,877.29, aimed at covering operational necessities including salaries and services.
While the President’s approval marks a vital step forward, Speaker Bagbin reminded his colleagues that these budget estimates are still pending formal consideration. They will be laid before Parliament after the Finance Minister presents the mini-budget, which will detail expenditures prior to appropriation.
“Until the budget is properly presented, these estimates are just for your information. Once the Finance Minister presents the mini-budget, the appropriate committees will examine them for further deliberation and reporting to the House,” stated Speaker Bagbin.
As Parliament awaits this critical presentation, it is evident that the timely allocation of funds is essential for sustaining the operations of these key institutions well into 2025. This development underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining the independence and functionality of the Judicial Service, Audit Service, and Parliament, all while emphasizing transparency in the budgetary process.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
