Finance Ministry replies Akoto Osei – We don’t owe Parliament

The Ministry of Finance has rejected claims by Member of Parliament for Old Tafo Constituency that it owes Parliament hugely, resulting in disruptions in the operations of the 275 members.

The Ministry said it has released all funds needed for operations by the legislative arm of government.

Dr. Anthony Akoto Osei, MP for Old Tafo Constituency, on Wednesday, told TV3 that operations of Members of Parliament have been hugely hampered by lack of funds.

“The funds that we are supposed to use for development have not come,” said Dr. Osei.

He said most legislators go to the extent of using their pocket monies for official duties.

“Now, I am having to take money out of my personal pocket to pay school fees.”

But speaking on TV3’s News@10 on Wednesday, Deputy Minister of Finance, Cassiel Ato Forson, said the Ministry has released funds for the first and second quarters of the year.

“There are so many other reasons why Parliament may decide to postpone when to come back,” he postulated, citing that the House may have decided to postpone some of its businesses.

He said since the Ministry operates on a budget basis, it is preparing to release funds for the third and final quarter of the year.