The 2024 Post-Budget Workshop, initially slated to take place at the Rock City Hotel, has been relocated to the hallowed halls of Parliament in Accra. The decision was announced by the Rt. Hon Speaker, Alban Bagbin, at the commencement of parliamentary proceedings.
The Speaker highlighted the critical nature of this year’s budget, which follows the country’s recent agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Most of the terms of the agreement remain undisclosed to parliamentarians, making it imperative to engage professionals and experts in a conducive environment.
Explaining the rationale behind the venue change, Bagbin emphasized past disruptions when attempting to host the workshop within Parliament. He noted, “Because it’s been a lot of disruptions anytime we attempted doing it on the floor of Parliament, a lot of members not usually present, those present can’t focus.”
Addressing concerns about the economic situation, Bagbin asserted that unless the country is indifferent to parliamentary input, hosting the workshop within Parliament remains the best option. He referred to a technical committee’s report that considered various facilities and participant estimates, ultimately recommending against holding the workshop at the previously proposed Rock City Hotel.
The Speaker’s announcement followed criticism directed at Parliament for a decision that had not yet been officially taken. Bagbin, however, emphasized that democracy had prevailed, with the people influencing their representatives to choose Parliament as the workshop venue this year.
The controversy surrounding the workshop’s location had intensified when the deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, announced Rock City Hotel as the venue. The choice had sparked division among members, with some arguing for the financial feasibility of the Volta Serene Hotel instead.
