The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has criticised the 2027 Budget, saying the government’s claims of economic recovery do not reflect the financial difficulties many Ghanaians face.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra to share the Minority’s preliminary assessment of the Budget Statement and Economic Policy, he argued that although economic indicators may show signs of improvement, ordinary Ghanaians continue to struggle with the cost of living.
“The economy is good on paper, but there is hardship in our pockets,” he said.
Mr Afenyo-Markin described the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration as a “sloganeering government,” accusing it of focusing more on promises and political messaging than delivering practical solutions to the challenges facing households and businesses.
He maintained that claims of economic stability and growth would mean little if they did not translate into better living conditions for Ghanaians.
The Minority Leader said his caucus would carefully examine the Budget, particularly its revenue and expenditure projections, job creation measures and potential impact on businesses and households.
He urged the government to move beyond political slogans and introduce policies that would provide meaningful relief to Ghanaians.
Minority Questions Speaker’s Ruling on Budget Debate
Mr Afenyo-Markin also expressed dissatisfaction with Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin’s decision to prevent the Minority from making preliminary comments immediately after the Budget was presented on Thursday, November 12.
He described the decision as unfair, arguing that the Minority should have been allowed to express its initial concerns about the government’s economic proposals.
He insisted that the caucus would continue to speak out on policies it believed could negatively affect Ghanaians.
However, Speaker Bagbin explained that Parliament’s Standing Orders require a waiting period of at least three days after the presentation of the Budget before debate can begin.
According to him, the provision allows Members of Parliament enough time to study the Budget and its supporting documents before contributing to the debate.
Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson presented the 2027 Budget, outlining the government’s economic priorities, revenue measures and spending plans for the coming year.
Parliament is expected to begin a detailed examination of the Budget as part of the approval process.
