The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has challenged Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson to account for the government’s unfulfilled economic promises and expenditure commitments ahead of the presentation of the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy on Thursday, November 12, 2026.
In a statement ahead of the budget presentation, the opposition party questioned the implementation of programmes announced in the 2025 and 2026 Budgets, particularly the government’s flagship 24-Hour Economy initiative.
The NPP said the government must demonstrate how much investment has been mobilised, how many sustainable jobs have been created and why some development programmes have experienced delays and expenditure shortfalls.
The party’s concerns come as the government prepares to unveil its proposed US$10 billion New Economy programme, which is expected to focus on job creation, infrastructure development, investment and economic transformation.
While acknowledging the importance of the initiative, the NPP warned that ambitious announcements must be backed by concrete results.
“Ambition is not a substitute for execution, announcements are not investments, and projected jobs are not jobs created,” the statement said.
The party also questioned how the government intends to finance its new economic ambitions while meeting existing commitments, maintaining debt sustainability and protecting macroeconomic stability.
It argued that the completion of Ghana’s International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme does not mean the country’s fiscal challenges have disappeared, pointing to revenue mobilisation difficulties, debt-service obligations and constraints on access to affordable external financing.
The NPP further urged the government to measure economic recovery by its impact on ordinary Ghanaians, including the cost of living, business conditions, employment opportunities and workers’ purchasing power.
It referenced the distinction between the “paper economy” and the “pocket economy” recently highlighted by its flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, arguing that improvements in economic indicators must translate into better living conditions.
Although the party acknowledged the importance of lower inflation, improved foreign reserves and a stronger external position, it insisted that these indicators alone do not adequately reflect the economic welfare of citizens.
“The real test is whether stabilisation is being converted into jobs, real earnings, affordable essentials and viable businesses,” the statement added.
The NPP is therefore demanding a credible 2027 Budget backed by realistic financing, measurable targets and accountability for government commitments.
Dr Ato Forson is scheduled to present the 2027 Budget to Parliament at 6 pm on Thursday, November 12.
