Minority describes 2026 budget as ‘nothing new’

The Minority Caucus in Parliament has described the 2026 Budget Statement presented by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson on November 13 as ‘nothing new’.

They stated that the budget offers “nothing new” and falls short of providing real solutions to Ghana’s mounting economic difficulties. In a strongly worded press statement, the caucus said the budget lacked vision, coherence, and credible strategies capable of delivering jobs, stimulating investment, or restoring confidence in the economy. 

According to the Minority, although Ghanaians expected bold interventions to ease the cost of living crisis, the government instead delivered “an unambitious and recycled budget” that rehashes old initiatives without clear implementation pathways.

The statement warned that the lack of transformative policy direction undercuts the government’s claims of fiscal recovery and threatens to worsen economic hardship in 2026.

The caucus emphasised that the budget failed to inspire hope for businesses already struggling under persistent inflation, tight credit conditions, and a high tax environment.

They argued that the government’s projections were overly optimistic and not grounded in current economic realities, citing concerns over revenue mobilisation, public debt management, and stalled growth in productive sectors. 

The Minority further expressed disappointment that the budget did not introduce significant reforms to reverse the stagnation in industry, manufacturing, or agriculture. Instead, they said the document offered vague promises without concrete timelines or measurable targets. “Ghanaians were expecting a budget that responds to the daily pressures they face,” the group stated, adding that what was presented fell short of expectations.

The caucus also questioned the government’s commitment to job creation, arguing that no new initiatives were outlined to address rising unemployment among the youth. They insisted that any budget claiming to drive economic transformation must prioritise practical measures to enhance productivity, expand private-sector opportunities, and reduce dependency on foreign borrowing. 

As Parliament prepares to debate the budget, the Minority said it would rigorously scrutinise every policy component. They maintained that they would continue to hold the government accountable and advocate for fiscal responsibility, transparent governance, and policies that genuinely improve the lives of ordinary Ghanaians.