By Elsie Appiah-Osei, GNA
Accra, Nov. 10, GNA – The New Patriotic Party Minority Caucus in Parliament has called on the government to account for its existing flagship programmes before introducing its proposed ‘New Economy’ agenda in the 2027 Budget.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday ahead of the budget presentation, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, Ranking Member on the Finance Committee of Parliament, said the key issue was whether the government had demonstrated the capacity and financing to deliver on its current commitments.
He said, “Ghanaians deserve a credible plan backed by realistic financing, measurable outcomes and accountability for results.”
It was on the theme: “Paper Economy vs Pocket Economy: The Ghanaian Expectation of the 2027 Budget.”
Dr. Amin Adam raised concerns about revenue performance, arguing that under-execution of flagship programmes had been linked to shortfalls in revenue collection.
“The proposed agenda risks facing similar challenges if funding is not clearly addressed,” he said.
He also questioned the implementation of the 24-Hour Economy programme, launched in July 2025.
According to the Ranking Member, the programme had a projected investment target of US$4 billion, with the government expected to provide between US$300 million and US$400 million in seed capital, and a target of creating 1.7 million jobs by the end of 2028.
He said, “Only GHS110 million was allocated to the programme in the 2026 Budget,” and asked the government to clarify the status of funding, including joint development agreements reportedly worth US$5.5 billion.
Dr. Amin Adam also pointed to the redesignation of 24-Hour Economy markets as district economy markets, saying the change had allegedly affected timelines, with completion now projected for 2028 instead of 2026.
On the broader economy, he cited concerns raised by traders over weak sales, farmers over difficulty finding buyers, and cocoa farmers over producer prices.
He also questioned the gap between headline inflation and the cost of living and contrasted recent public sector salary adjustments with the adjustment made in 2024.
The Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, is expected to present the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on Thursday, November 12, under the theme “New Economy”, described as a four-year economic transformation programme.
Meanwhile, the government is yet to respond to the Minority’s concerns.
GNA
Edited by Linda Asante Agyei