Minority To Decide On Budget Boycott

The Minority in Parliament is yet to decide whether to boycott Tuesday�s budget presentation by the Finance Minister Seth Terkper. There were earlier reports that the boycott will be in protest of the 2.5 percent increase in the VAT rate. However, minority leader Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, addressing the press on Monday, said no such decision has been taken yet. On Friday, Parliament passed a law increasing the VAT threshold which got that Minority so furious to the extent of walking out of the Chamber. Hn. Kyei Mensah-Bonsu insists the procedure employed by government to introduce the increment was in violation of parliamentary rules. According to him, the government should not be allowed to worsen the plight of the already over burdened populace. Meanwhile, Some Minority MPs have expressed low confidence in the 2014 budget statement even before it is presented on Tuesday by the Finance Minister Seth Terkper. He is expected to touch on programs that would enhance the country's economic growth, while strengthening economic gains. He will also announce the fusing of spending plans of various ministries and agencies into achievable targets. Lawmakers have already been taken through some sensitization on the expected budget.