The Minority in Parliament has demanded clearer evidence of job creation, lower living costs and support for businesses in the government’s 2027 Budget, arguing that improved economic indicators have yet to translate into better living conditions for Ghanaians.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin said the budget presented by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson on Thursday, November 12, offered ambitious promises without adequately explaining how they would address the economic difficulties facing households and businesses.
Addressing journalists after the budget presentation, he argued that high food prices, unemployment and rising business costs remained major concerns despite government’s claims of economic recovery and stability.
He cited market conditions in Techiman, Tamale, Kumasi Asafo, Winneba Central and Makola as examples of the continuing pressure on consumers, questioning the level of support available to farmers and local food producers.
Afenyo-Markin also criticised the government’s handling of the cocoa sector, arguing that the reduction in the farmgate price had contradicted earlier campaign promises.
He said Ghanaians expected tangible improvements in employment and living standards after two years of the current administration, rather than repeated appeals for patience.
“The NDC cannot rebrand unemployment. They cannot slogan away the cost of living,” he said.
The Minority Leader also questioned the government’s proposed US$10 billion New Economy Programme, demanding greater transparency on its financing, implementation and expected outcomes.
He particularly wanted government to clarify how much of the US$10 billion would be spent in 2027 and identify the specific projects expected to benefit from the initial allocation.
According to him, the budget did not sufficiently explain how the programme would complement the government’s 24-Hour Economy policy or provide measurable results within its proposed 2027–2030 implementation period.
He further questioned the government’s ability to meet its financial obligations under the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme while addressing outstanding payments and recruitment demands from public sector workers.
Afenyo-Markin specifically raised concerns about payments involving the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG), teachers and nurses, as well as the resources available for public sector recruitment.
He insisted that government must provide concrete figures on employment opportunities created rather than rely on economic performance statistics.
“It is not data that Ghanaians are going to consume. Ghanaians want jobs, jobs, jobs,” he stated.
The Minority Leader also questioned the status of the proposed women’s bank, arguing that the initiative had featured in previous budget presentations but was absent from the latest policy statement.
On private-sector development, he warned that high electricity costs and inadequate investment incentives could undermine efforts to expand businesses and attract new investments.
He acknowledged the proposed exemptions on machinery imports but argued that government needed to provide stronger incentives to encourage industrial expansion and private-sector participation.
“Without the private sector, the economy cannot grow,” he said.
Afenyo-Markin indicated that the Minority would undertake a more detailed examination of the 2027 Budget and present a comprehensive assessment after its budget workshop.
