Parliament commended for safeguarding public purse Urged to reenergize Committees

Citizens Coalition(CC), an amalgamation of several civil society groups have commended parliament for safeguarding the public purse by kicking against what it termed "Insensitive spending". "The Citizens Coalition welcomes the decision of Parliament to reallocate the GHS80 million allocated for the construction of the National Cathedral to the Roads and Highways and Communication Ministries and to slash the allocation to the Contingency Vote by half...",a statement from the Coalition indicated. Also, the Coalition was elated by the cost cutting measures in the approval of the 2023 budget adding that the action of parliament was a bold and long overdue step in disciplining the use of public resources as the country heads into the period of austerity. The Coalition's comment which was contained in a press release copied to Soireenews.com stating,"As part of the cost cutting measures, the Coalition applauds parliament for the defund of the Special Development Initiatives and Monitoring and Evaluation secretariats at the Office of the President", the statement said. The move, according to the Coalition, reflected a positive outcome of the current 'Hung Parliament' that should be celebrated. Given the economic challenges that face the country, the Citizens Coalition expected parliament to intensify its oversight reenergizing Committees on Government Assurances and empowering Standing and Sector Committees. The aim, the Coalition observed, would aid to maintain strict vigilance over the implementation of the Appropriation Act by the Executive. The Coalition reiterated its position that the response to their proposals on expenditure to some areas could further be cut down. "We reiterate our call on government to look closely at the cost of running government and reduce it further", the statement added. The Coalition suggested a further cut to include reduction of the total number of ministers and deputies to 60 as a first step to absorb and merge the number of secretariats set up to oversee flagship programmes. The Coalition however, underscored the need for civil servants to manage the relevant ministries. "The Citizens Coalition will tirelessly continue to amplify the concerns of Ghanaians and demand that government acts in a manner which does not only take us out of this economic mess but give citizens, particularly the young men and women of this nation hope for the future"it said.