Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has expressed concern about the implications of the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review presented by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, arguing that it signals difficult times ahead for government ministers.
According to him, the Finance Minister’s remarks during the presentation indicate that ministries should not expect significant funding, a situation he believes will further limit their ability to carry out their responsibilities.
Speaking after the budget review, Afenyo-Markin said the Finance Minister’s comments should alarm ministers of state, insisting that many have already struggled to function effectively due to inadequate financial releases.
“The finance minister has just told this house that the true character of a finance minister is not determined by how much he spends. Such a statement must cause palpitations among ministers of state.
Mr. Speaker, basically what he is telling ministers is that he is not going to spend; he is not going to release funds to you. Mr Speaker, already you are suffering and are redundant in your various ministries,” he stated after the review.
Afenyo-Markin maintained that the Finance Minister’s position suggests continued fiscal restraint, which he believes will leave ministries without the resources needed to implement government programmes and deliver on their mandates.
