Member of Parliament for Manso Nkwanta, Tweneboa Kodua Fokuo, has challenged the government’s 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review, arguing that the positive economic figures presented by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson do not reflect the everyday experiences of many Ghanaians.
Speaking during a discussion about the budget on Saturday, July 25, Mr Fokuo said the government must go beyond presenting statistics and demonstrate how its policies have improved the lives of ordinary citizens.
According to him, the success of government programmes should be measured by the number of jobs created and the impact they have on reducing unemployment.
He noted that Ghana has an estimated employable population of 5.3 million people, with about two million of them currently unemployed.
Given these figures, he said the Finance Minister should provide clear evidence of the employment opportunities generated through flagship initiatives such as the government’s proposed 24-hour economy policy and apprenticeship programmes.
Mr Fokuo stressed that budget statements should not only focus on projections and economic indicators but should also include measurable results that show real improvements in people’s living conditions.
The lawmaker also questioned the sustainability of the country’s reported economic growth, arguing that much of the expansion is being driven by sectors that remain vulnerable to external factors.
He pointed to the mining industry, particularly gold production, as an example. According to him, Ghana’s heavy reliance on gold exports makes the economy susceptible to changes in global commodity prices, which could undermine future growth if stronger productive sectors are not developed.
Mr Fokuo therefore urged the government to focus on long-term structural reforms that would strengthen the economy and reduce its dependence on natural resource exports.
“The Minister should explain the structural measures being implemented to support the economy rather than relying on temporary gains,” he said.
His remarks come after Dr Cassiel Ato Forson presented the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review, highlighting improvements in several macroeconomic indicators.
The Finance Minister also announced that about 950,000 Ghanaians moved out of multidimensional poverty between 2024 and 2025, attributing the progress to better economic performance and improvements in education, healthcare, employment and overall living standards.
Mr Fokuo, however, insists that the government must provide tangible evidence that these reported gains are translating into meaningful opportunities for citizens across the country.
