‘Stability on paper, hardship in our pockets’ – Minority caucus attacks 2027 Budget

The Minority in Parliament has criticised the 2027 Budget, arguing that the government’s claims of economic stability have not translated into affordable food, jobs or relief for businesses.

Addressing journalists on Thursday after Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson presented the budget to Parliament, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin accused the government of offering slogans instead of solutions.

“Stability on paper, hardship in our pockets.”

He said food prices remained high in markets across the country, including Techiman, Tamale, Kumasi Asafo, Winneba Central and Makola.

Afenyo-Markin argued that farmers lacked adequate support, while locally produced staples remained expensive. He also questioned the government’s support for cocoa farmers, saying the farmgate price had fallen despite promises made in opposition.

He rejected the Finance Minister’s appeal for patience, arguing that Ghanaians expected employment and improvements in living conditions after two years.

“The NDC cannot rebrand unemployment. They cannot slogan away the cost of living.”

The Minority Leader also challenged the government to explain how its New Economy Programme relates to the 24-hour economy policy.

He questioned the proposed 2027–2030 development timetable and demanded clearer information on financing and implementation.

According to him, the government had not adequately explained how much of the US$10 billion earmarked for the New Economy would be available in 2027. He also wanted specific projects identified to enable scrutiny.

“They also failed to tell us how much will be expended in 2027 and the specific projects this will finance for proper tracking,” he said.

Afenyo-Markin welcomed the government’s stated ability to meet obligations under the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme. However, he questioned why funding was not available for public sector workers and recruitment.

“But the question is that where is the money to pay JUSAG, the money to pay teachers, the money to pay nurses, and the money to recruit?”

He said the government had failed to state how many jobs it had created.

“It is not data that Ghanaians are going to consume. Ghanaians want jobs, jobs, jobs.”

The Minority Leader also questioned progress on the promised women’s bank. He said it had appeared in previous budgets but was not mentioned in the latest presentation.

On business growth, he argued that electricity costs and limited incentives would undermine private investment. He contrasted the proposed machinery exemptions with incentives offered under the previous NPP administration.

“Without the private sector, the economy cannot grow.”

Afenyo-Markin said the caucus would examine the budget further and issue a comprehensive assessment after the budget workshop.