Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin says the 2027 Budget presents an economy that appears to be improving on paper while many Ghanaians continue to face rising living costs.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra on the Minority’s preliminary observations on the Budget Statement and Economic Policy, he described the National Democratic Congress administration as a “sloganeering government” and said economic stability and growth claims did not reflect people’s daily experience.

“The economy is good on paper, but there is hardship in our pockets,” he said.

Mr Afenyo-Markin said the Minority would scrutinise the Budget’s revenue and expenditure proposals, job-creation measures and likely effects on households and businesses.

He urged the Government to move beyond slogans and implement policies that bring practical relief.

Speaker cites rules on Budget debate

The Minority Leader also accused Speaker Alban Bagbin of denying the caucus the opportunity to make preliminary comments immediately after the Budget’s presentation on Thursday, November 12.

He said the ruling was unfair and maintained that the Minority would continue raising concerns about policies affecting Ghanaians.

Mr Bagbin said Budget debate must follow Parliament’s Standing Orders, which require debate to begin no fewer than three days after the statement is presented.

The interval, he said, gives MPs time to study the Budget and related documents before debating them.

Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson presented the 2027 Budget, outlining the Government’s economic policies, revenue measures and expenditure plans.

Parliament is preparing for its detailed consideration.