‘How many economies would NDC build in Ghana within four years?’ – Afenyo-Markin

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has questioned the government’s New Economy agenda, demanding clarity on how it differs from the promised 24-hour economy and how it will deliver jobs. Addressing a Minority caucus press conference on Thursday after Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson presented the 2027 Budget to Parliament, he accused the government of introducing slogans without addressing household hardship.

“In fact, our question is, how many economies would the NDC build in Ghana within four years?” Afenyo-Markin said the budget left unanswered questions about financing, implementation and accountability under the New Economy programme. “They did not tell us how much of the $10 billion earmarked for the new economy will be available for the year 2027.” He also argued that the government had not identified the specific projects to be financed or provided sufficient spending details for public tracking.

The Minority Leader questioned a development plan running from 2027 to 2030, saying its implementation period extended beyond the government’s current term. He rejected the Finance Minister’s appeal for patience, arguing that Ghanaians expected employment and relief after two years of the administration. “Ghanaians want jobs, jobs, jobs.” Afenyo-Markin said economic stability must translate into improvements in living conditions.

He cited high food prices in markets across the country and alleged that farmers were not receiving adequate government support. “Stability on paper, hardship in our pockets.” He also challenged the government to explain how it would fund public-sector employment and meet outstanding obligations. While welcoming the announcement of funds for payments under the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme, he questioned whether funds were available for judicial service workers, teachers, nurses, and recruitment.

“The NDC cannot rebrand unemployment. They cannot slogan away the cost of living.” The Minority Leader further questioned progress on the proposed women’s bank. He said the government had repeated the promise in previous budgets but had been silent on it in the 2027 presentation. He criticised electricity tariff increases and argued that the proposed incentives for businesses were insufficient to encourage investment and job creation.

“Without the private sector, the economy cannot grow.” Afenyo-Markin said the Minority would subject the budget to further scrutiny before presenting a fuller assessment. “We, the minority, are going to do a critical examination of the budget statement as presented, and after the budget workshop, we will come out with a full critique of our views.”