Mid-Year Budget review: Minority walks out of Parliament over electoral violence

Parliament was rocked by political drama on Thursday, July 24, as Minority Members staged a walkout moments before Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson was due to present the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review.

The walkout was sparked by the Minority’s protest over what they described as the government’s failure to address violent incidents during the Ablekuma North by-election held earlier this month.

Speaking on the floor of the House, Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh delivered a firm message: the group would not be part of any proceedings until the perpetrators of the violence are brought to justice.

The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, acknowledged the concerns raised and urged the House to schedule a broader discussion on electoral violence at a later date.

But his appeal did not stop the Minority from making their exit.

Their boycott casts a shadow over what was expected to be a high-stakes presentation of the Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review—a document that will outline Ghana’s economic performance for the first half of 2025 and set the tone for the remainder of the year.

Dr. Forson’s address is anticipated to highlight gains made under the IMF-backed economic recovery programme, including reduced inflation, improved currency stability, and progress on revenue targets.