Accra, July 28, GNA – Members of Parliament on Tuesday began debating the Mid-Year Budget Review presented by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson last Thursday, July 23, 2026, with contributions reflecting sharp partisan divisions.
The Majority National Democratic Congress (NDC) defended the government’s policies and programmes, while the Minority Caucus of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) accused the administration of stifling the economy and failing to release funds for key projects.
Contributing to the debate, Dr Titus Kofi Beyuo, NDC MP for Lambussie, said the Mahama-led Administration had moved the fragile economy from “emergency ward to a wellness centre,” following what he described as reckless borrowing by the previous NPP government.
He dismissed claims that the government was not spending, citing GH¢12.5 billion released to the National Health Insurance Scheme, GH¢1.1 billion to the Ghana National Trust Fund (Mahama Cares), GH¢485 million for vulnerable persons, and GH¢533 million on Stress Free Fees for first-year tertiary students.
On the contrary, Mr Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, NPP MP for Ofoase Ayirebi, argued that government was underspending by GH¢30 billion, leaving many projects unfunded.
He noted that GH¢1.6 billion had not been released for fertilizer purchases, while the Bank of Ghana had expended US$900 million on the Ghana Gold Board and lost GH¢15 million in trade transactions.
Other NDC legislators, including Atta Issah (Sagnarigu) and Eric Afful (Amenfi West), praised the government for prudent economic management, pointing to inflation reduction to below five per cent and describing the economy as resilient.
Minority MPs as Abena Osei Asare (Atewa East) and Patrick Yaw Boamah (Okaikwei Central) strongly criticised the government for failing to redeem promises on job creation, particularly the “One Job, Three Shifts” initiative.
The debate is expected to continue through the week as Parliament scrutinises the fiscal measures outlined in the Mid-Year Budget Review.
Reporters: Godwill Arthur-Mensah/Elsie Appiah-Osei
