The Member of Parliament for Kwabre East has criticised the 2026 budget, stating it lacks clarity and credibility and questioning the government’s capacity to achieve its targets.
Speaking during the budget debate in Parliament, Hon. Akwasi Gyamfi Onyina Acheampong highlighted the government’s failure to meet its revenue target in 2025, missing GH¢8 billion, and questioned how it plans to achieve an 18.5% increase in revenue in 2026 while repealing COVID-19 revenue measures, leading to a GH¢5.7 billion shortfall.
Acheampong accused the Finance Minister of introducing new tax handles in the 2025 budget, contrary to promises, and asked if the government would introduce more taxes in the 2026 budget.
He criticised the government’s spending habits, noting that expenditure exceeded revenue by GH¢29 billion, and questioned the commitment to flagship policies like the 24-hour economy.
The Kwabre East MP expressed scepticism about the government’s commitment to the 24-hour economy, a flagship policy that promised to create one job, three shifts, and three people employed.
Hon. Acheampong noted that the government has watered down the policy, saying it will now focus on the private sector rather than government investment.
He questioned the lack of commitment to the policy, citing the example of the passport office and DVLO office, which will now operate 24 hours a day, three shifts, but with existing staff.
Acheampong emphasised that Ghanaians, especially the youth, voted for the government expecting job creation, but the current budget offers little clarity on how the 24-hour economy will be implemented.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
