Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has questioned the impact of the government’s economic policies on ordinary Ghanaians.
Afenyo-Markin insisted that claims of macroeconomic stability have not brought meaningful relief to households and businesses.
The Minority leader made the remarks on Thursday during a media briefing following the presentation of the 2027 Budget by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson to Parliament.
Afenyo-Markin stated: “Stability on paper, hardship in our pockets.”
The Minority leader pointed to high food prices in major markets, including Techiman, Tamale, Kumasi Asafo, Winneba Central and Makola, arguing that the cost of locally produced food remained beyond the reach of many consumers.
Afenyo-Markin also raised concerns about the level of assistance available to farmers and questioned the government’s record on cocoa pricing, claiming that the farmgate price had declined despite assurances made by the NDC before returning to power.
He argued that the government could no longer ask citizens to be patient without demonstrating improvements in their daily lives.
“The NDC cannot rebrand unemployment. They cannot slogan away the cost of living,” he stated.
The Minority leader further demanded more details about the government’s proposed US$10 billion New Economy Programme, particularly its relationship with the 24-hour economy initiative.
According to him, the budget presentation did not adequately explain how the programme would be rolled out between 2027 and 2030, how it would be financed or which projects would be prioritised.
Afenyo-Markin further questioned the amount of the US$10 billion expected to be spent in 2027, saying the absence of specific project details would make it difficult for Parliament and the public to monitor implementation.
He stated, “They also failed to tell us how much will be expended in 2027 and the specific projects this will finance for proper tracking”.
He further acknowledged the government’s assurance that it could meet its obligations under the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme; however challenged it to explain why funds were seemingly unavailable for other commitments, including salaries and recruitment in the public sector.
Afenyo-Markin cited payments to the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG), teachers and nurses, as well as the recruitment of additional workers.
“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 asked.
He also accused the government for not providing a clear account of the jobs created, arguing that employment opportunities should be a key measure of the administration’s economic performance.
“It is not data that Ghanaians are going to consume. Ghanaians want jobs, jobs, jobs,” he added.
Afenyo-Markin also questioned the absence of the proposed women’s bank from the latest budget, noting that the initiative had featured in previous budget statements.
He further argued that the business environment remained challenging, citing electricity costs and what he considered insufficient incentives for private investors.
The Minority leader also questioned the government’s proposed tax exemptions for machinery, comparing them with incentives introduced under the previous NPP administration, and maintained that private sector investment was essential to economic expansion.
“Without the private sector, the economy cannot grow,” he said.
He further disclosed that the Minority would conduct a detailed review of the budget during its workshop before presenting a comprehensive assessment of the government’s proposals.
Minority MPs in Parliament chant “Wo de cocaine abao, cocaine abao, 24-hour economy” during the Finance Minister’s presentation of the 2027 Budget Statement. https://t.co/d0CokLomhR
— GHnow (@ghnow_) November 12, 2026
