The Minority in Parliament has dismissed the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy presented by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, labeling it as repetitive lamentations rather than a practical plan.
Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin recalled that when the Finance Minister first assumed office, his early budget remarks were overlooked due to his newness. However, the latest presentation, according to him, simply repeated the same themes without substance. He also pointed to the empty seats in the Public Gallery as evidence that the business community has lost confidence in the proposed plan.
The MP for Effutu further criticized the Minister for providing scant details on key allocations and for failing to account for claims that the Presidency disbursed GH₵20,000 to each of the 66 constituencies every month, as highlighted by Mustapha Bandi, Director of Operations at the Presidency. He argued that Parliament, as an oversight body, received only minimal attention in the budget.
Afenyo-Markin also questioned the lack of information on the 24-hour economy initiative, which is expected to create jobs, expressing concern that ministers could not adequately explain how this program would be implemented at the constituency level.
In response, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga defended the budget, stating that it reflects the country’s turnaround from the economic mismanagement of the previous administration. He emphasized that Parliament’s budget increased from GH₵1.1 billion in 2025 to a proposed GH₵1.6 billion this year. Ayariga highlighted that the 24-hour economy program received GH₵150 million in funding and noted improvements in inflation control, debt repayment, and international credit ratings.
He argued that the budget, together with last year’s expenditures, sets the foundation for job creation and economic stability, urging the youth to remain hopeful. According to Ayariga, the tragic stampede involving six job-seeking young women underscores the failures of past administrations and the urgent need for the current government’s reforms.
