a) What account for the continual increase in most public expenditures in modem governance? (b) In what ways can the general public be empowered to get involved in budgeting processes in Ghana? (c) State and explain the features of public budget.

### (a) Factors Accounting for the Continual Increase in Public Expenditures in Modern Governance

**Population Growth**: Increasing populations lead to higher demand for public services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. More people necessitate more resources.

**Inflation**: As the cost of goods and services rises due to inflation, governments must allocate more funds to maintain the same level of services.

**Economic Development**: As economies grow, there is typically an increase in public expenditures. Economic development often requires investment in public infrastructure, social services, and regulatory frameworks.

**Technological Advancement**: The introduction of new technologies can improve efficiency but often requires significant initial investments. These advancements also lead to increased expectations for public services.

**Social Safety Nets**: With increasing awareness of social issues, governments are expanding social safety nets to address poverty, unemployment, and health care needs, which raises expenditures.

**Globalization**: Increased global interdependence can lead to higher demands for public services such as trade regulation, security, and environmental management.

**Policy Decisions**: Government priorities and policies can lead to increased public spending, such as investments in renewable energy or education reforms.

**Funding for Health Crises and Emergencies**: Events such as pandemics or natural disasters lead to sudden increases in public spending to address urgent needs.

### (b) Ways to Empower the General Public in Budgeting Processes in Ghana

**Public Participation**: Encouraging community involvement through public forums, town hall meetings, and participatory budgeting sessions allows citizens to actively contribute to budget discussions.

**Access to Information**: Providing easy access to budget documents, fiscal reports, and data ensures that the public can understand and engage with the budgeting process. Open data initiatives can facilitate this.

**Capacity Building**: Offering training and workshops to educate citizens on public finance, budgeting processes, and advocacy skills empowers them to influence budget decisions effectively.

**Involvement of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)**: Partnering with CSOs can help in mobilizing communities to voice their needs and priorities in the budgeting process.

**Feedback Mechanisms**: Establishing channels for public feedback on budget proposals allows the government to address community concerns and suggestions.

**Use of Technology**: Implementing digital platforms for budget consultations can enhance transparency and accessibility, making it easier for citizens to engage.

**Legislative Framework**: Strengthening laws that mandate public consultations and participation in the budgeting process is crucial for accountability and responsiveness.

### (c) Features of the Public Budget

**Comprehensiveness**: A public budget should cover all aspects of government financing, including all income, expenditures, and financial obligations over a specified period. 

**Legality**: Budgets must be prepared, presented, and executed according to laws and regulations governing public finance. They require approval from the legislature to be considered legal.

**Transparency**: Budgets should be clear, understandable, and publicly accessible to ensure that citizens can scrutinize government spending and revenue collection.

**Accountability**: Governments are accountable for how they use public funds. This feature emphasizes the importance of reporting and evaluation mechanisms to assess budget performance.

**Adaptability**: A good public budget can be adjusted in response to changing economic conditions, unforeseen expenditures, or shifts in national priorities.

**Balance**: Public budgets should strive for financial balance, ensuring that expenditures do not exceed revenues over the financial planning period, promoting fiscal responsibility.

**Flexibility**: Budgets should allow for reallocations based on changing priorities or needs without compromising overall fiscal discipline.

**Strategic Planning**: Budgets should reflect the strategic goals and priorities of the government, ensuring that funds are allocated effectively towards achieving long-term objectives.

In sum, public budgets serve as essential tools for governance, reflecting a government's priorities and enabling accountability for public resources.