Parliament Approves GH¢2.07 Billion Budget for Government Machinery in 2024

In a significant move, Parliament approved a budget of GH¢2.07 billion for the Office of Government Machinery (OGM) for the financial year ending December 31, 2024.

The OGM, comprising various key entities like the Office of the President and agencies such as the Ghana AIDS Commission and National Identification Authority, is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s trajectory.

Mr. Kwaku Agyeman Kwarteng, Chairman of the Finance Committee of Parliament, highlighted key initiatives in his report.

The Office of the President is gearing up to celebrate Ghana’s 67th Independence Anniversary and 2024 Founders Day. The report also outlined plans for maintenance activities at important government facilities and support for state-assisted funerals.

The Millennium Development Authority is poised to make significant strides in sustainable agriculture, with plans to construct climate-smart irrigation systems covering 7,000 acres at Kasunya.

The Authority aims to operationalize anchor farmers, train 500 youth farmers, and construct accommodation for 300 youth farmers by April 2024.

However, concerns were raised by Mr. Isaac Adongo, the Ranking Member for the Finance Committee, about the Office of the President surpassing its allocated budget.

Mr. Kwame Governs Agbodza, the Minority Chief Whip, called for the abolition of various development authorities under the Office of the President, arguing that their functions could be efficiently handled by local government bodies.

As Ghana looks toward the future, the approved budget signifies a commitment to key developmental projects and reforms, although debates persist about the allocation of resources and the role of certain government bodies.