In a startling revelation, details have emerged exposing the staggering expenses Parliament would have incurred if it had opted for the Rock City Hotel in Kwahu as the venue for its post-budget workshop. Sources indicate that the estimated costs for this choice would have skyrocketed above GH¢2 million, a revelation shared by a journalist affiliated with JoyNews.
The breakdown encompasses exorbitant expenses related to accommodation, meals, transportation, and logistical arrangements for Members of Parliament, journalists, drivers, and security personnel. The journalist went on record, stating, “The rough estimate we’ve had is that it was going to cost in excess of GH¢2 million.
Some have also estimated it at GH¢10 million because if you are going to furnish 274 MPs, journalists, their drivers, security personnel to Rock City Hotel, and MPs were like this is a time of hostility and if you are asking Ghanaians to tighten their belt, you cannot be living a champagne lifestyle on Akpeteshi budget.”
This revelation comes in the wake of Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin’s decisive move on November 13, 2023, to veto the use of hotels for this year’s post-budget workshop, citing the current financial challenges confronting the nation.
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The decision overturns Deputy Minority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin’s announcement on November 10, indicating that the workshop would be hosted at Rock City Hotel, owned by Member of Parliament for Abetifi, Bryan Acheampong.
Adding to the intrigue, concerns were raised by some members of the minority regarding potential surveillance, with speculations suggesting that rooms at the hotel might be bugged due to the current political climate.
The report highlighted, “They were telling me that they were afraid that their rooms may be bugged because of the politics of the country. So, the NDC Mps are excited because they were the ones who stood up in opposition to the post budget workshop being held in Rock City.” The revelation raises eyebrows and underscores the delicate balance between financial responsibility and the perception of parliamentary extravagance.
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