Caretaker Finance Minister, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu presents 2021 Budget today

Majority leader and Minister of parliamentary affairs, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu is expected to present the government’s 2021 budget statement before parliament today Friday, March 12, 2021.

This follows his appointment by President Akufo Addo as a caretaker finance minister till the finance minister-designate returns from the US where he is receiving treatment for covid-19 related complications.

President Akufo Addo wrote to parliament through the Speaker of Parliament announcing that “I write respectfully to inform you that, pursuant to Order 140 Rules 2 and 3, of the Standing Orders of Parliament, I have assigned temporarily responsibility for the Ministry of Finance to the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, Member of Parliament for Suame”.

Ahead of the presentation of the 2021 budget statement, the cabinet had earlier on March 8 approved a roadmap that is expected to rebuild Ghana’s economy in the post-pandemic era.

This roadmap also known as Post COVID-19 Economic Recovery Programme is the government’s priority in pursuing policies and programs that will build a robust economy and create more jobs.

Information Minister, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah had earlier “the president is prioritizing the post-COVID-19 recovery program as one of his major focal points ahead of the State of the Nation address. The effect of the pandemic is a sharp reversal of the macroeconomic progress of the country”.

“The post-COVID-19 recovery is the key pillar on which the second term of the Akufo-Addo government hinges. It’s key because, without it, there will be little foundation to build on,” he added.