MPs Slam Reduced Parliament Budget

Members of Parliament (MPs) have voiced strong concerns over the GHS 1.6 billion budget allocated to Parliament and the Parliamentary Service for the 2026 fiscal year.

The approved amount represents a significant reduction from the initial request of GHS 4.6 billion, leaving legislators worried about the effective functioning of the House.

Ofoase Ayirebi MP, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, during Thursday’s debate, urged prioritization of the limited funds to address critical infrastructural deficits. He highlighted issues such as malfunctioning air conditioning and broken elevators within the Job 600 building, stating it was becoming “useless.”

“We need to prioritize what is essential. The current state of affairs is hindering our ability to effectively represent our constituents,” Oppong Nkrumah said.

Mr. Oppong Nkrumah further proposed benchmarking the national tax system to guarantee a fixed percentage of revenue for Parliament, ensuring greater financial efficiency.

Tamale South MP, Haruna Iddrisu, also expressed worry, pointing out the irony of Parliament approving budgets for other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) while facing its own funding constraints.

“It is troubling that we, as Parliament, are expected to provide oversight on the Executive’s spending, yet our own budget remains inadequate,” he stated.

Mr. Iddrisu called for the establishment of a Budget Responsibility Office to promote prudent financial management within the Legislature.

Lawmakers from both sides of the House lamented the budget cut, noting that the Finance Minister and his Deputy, both MPs, should have advocated for Parliament’s needs. They also appealed for the inclusion of a medical centre and an eatery within the parliamentary precinct to support the health and wellbeing of members.

Responding to the concerns, Deputy Minister of Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, explained that budget allocations across all sectors were determined by available funds, and not a deliberate attempt to underfund Parliament. He noted an increase in capital expenditure for Parliament from GH₵80 million in 2025 to GH₵300 million in the 2026 budget.

Despite the dissatisfaction expressed, Parliament ultimately approved the GHS 1.6 billion budget for the Legislature.

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