The Member of Parliament for Damongo, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has taken a swipe at the government’s economic management, accusing the administration of failing to deliver on its flagship campaign promises and presiding over what he describes as a “disconnect between positive data and harsh living conditions.”
Debating the 2026 Budget Statement in Parliament, Mr. Jinapor said Ghanaians were yet to see any meaningful impact from the government’s commitments, despite the high expectations that accompanied its electoral victory.
He argued that promises to reduce the cost of living, ease the burden of doing business, and create “hundreds of thousands of jobs” have not materialised nearly a year into the government’s term.
Doubts Over 24-Hour Economy Rollout
A major point of contention for the Damongo MP was the government’s claim that its 24-hour economy initiative was fully underway. He insisted there was no evidence of the three-shift system touted in the ruling party’s 2024 manifesto.
“Where is the 1:3:3 formula? Even the Ministry of Finance closes at 5 p.m.,” Mr. Jinapor said, questioning how a “round-the-clock economic model” could work when public institutions themselves were struggling with basic operational capacity.
He noted that the pledge to expand one job into three shifts for three different people had stalled, and in some cases contrasted sharply with reports that workers in key sectors such as nursing and teaching were allegedly working without pay.
“Good Numbers, Bad Reality”
While the 2026 budget highlights improved macroeconomic indicators — including reduced expenditure and lower inflation — Mr. Jinapor said these gains were not being felt by the ordinary Ghanaian. According to him, government spending in the first three quarters fell 15% below target, a situation he described as “under-spending disguised as discipline.”
He argued that the spending shortfall was constricting business activity, weakening access to credit, and leaving several sectors — including contractors and farmers — cash-strapped. “There is no trickle-down effect,” he warned.
Citing reports of over one million metric tons of paddy rice going bad in storage due to weakened purchasing power and absence of buyers, he said the real sector was showing “alarming signs of distress.”
Concerns Over Expanding Government Size
Mr. Jinapor further criticised what he described as the government’s growing appetite for appointments. He cited the recent addition of new presidential staffers, envoys, and 18 deputy heads of mission — appointments he said were unprecedented and costly.
As a result, he noted, the budgetary allocation for compensation at the Office of the President had ballooned by nearly 50%, from GH¢326 million in 2024 to GH¢540 million in 2025. He referenced warnings from the Bank of Ghana about rising compensation costs and their potential fiscal risks.
Questioning Budget Priorities
The MP also raised concerns about the government’s US$1.2 billion allocation for military aircraft and a new naval vessel at a time when, he said, “traders, farmers, nurses and teachers are suffering.”
According to him, the economy is under pressure from delayed payments, weak credit flows and unfulfilled job creation promises — all of which have eroded public confidence. He urged the Finance Minister and the Bank of Ghana to inject liquidity into productive sectors to revive demand and support growth.
“The budget will only achieve its purpose if spending becomes timely, strategic and targeted. Right now, the economy shows clear signs of stress,” he said.
Mr. Jinapor called for urgent intervention to restore momentum and ensure that the 2026 Budget delivers tangible benefits to ordinary Ghanaians.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
