Parliament to Establish Budget Office

Majority Leader of the fifth Parliament of the fourth Republic of Ghana, Hon S. K Bagbin has hinted that come next year, the government will facilitate the establishment of a budget office upon passing the Budget Act.

The Office according to him will provide an entry pronto and streamline the budget process both nationally and internationally.

Hon. Bagbin disclosed this yesterday when the leadership of the House met with the Parliamentary Press Corps on the occasion of the end of the first Session of the Fifth Parliament.

He said when established the office is expected to accommodate a ready pool of technical expertise in various fields for the House.

The Majority Leader mentioned that Parliament is undertaking a comprehensive review of its enhanced strategic plan 2006-2009 to align with the government policy objective of ensuring transparent and accountable governance for 2010-2012.

Touching on the achievements of the House over the period, Hon. Bagbin said the House plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the objectives and values postuled in the constitution come to fruition.

He said the year witnessed continuous focus on areas to deepen debate on the role and place of the legislature and the relationship between it and the other arms of government.

The Majority Leader commended the Parliamentary Press Corps for their reportage for the year under review and called on them to be objective and circumspect in their reportage.

The Minority Leader, Hon. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, in a remark recognised the role of the Press Corps in national development and was also grateful to the Press Corps for their quality of work and urged them to rise above general practitioners and enter in specialised fields.

Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Emmanuel Anyimadu, who was also present at the occasion reiterated a promise to build the capacities of members of the Press Corps and commended them for a cordial relationship over the years.

Source: ISD (Gilbert Ankrah & Richie Osei)