2027 budget overlooks immediate concerns of Ghanaians – Amin Adam

The Minority in Parliament says the 2027 Budget has failed to address the immediate concerns of Ghanaians, particularly unemployment and the rising cost of living.

The Ranking Member of Parliament’s Finance Committee, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, said the government's emphasis on improving macroeconomic indicators had not translated into corresponding improvements in the living conditions of ordinary citizens.

He argued that although inflation had declined to 5.5 per cent, Treasury bill rates had fallen and Ghana's credit ratings had improved, households were still struggling with the cost of food, transportation and utility services.

Dr Amin Adam said the opposition had expected the government to use the 2027 Budget to explain the jobs created under the 24-Hour Economy programme and present concrete measures to address youth unemployment.

However, he said the statement delivered by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson on November 12 offered little evidence of progress on those issues.

“The Budget had to address the huge unemployment crisis in the country; it had to account for the jobs created by the 24-Hour Economy programme before announcing a new economy; and it had to address the hardships Ghanaians face despite low headline inflation,” he said.

Speaking at a press conference in Parliament on Friday, November 13, Dr Amin Adam described the difference between official economic indicators and household experiences as a disconnect between the paper economy and the pocket economy.

“The paper economy has been celebrated, and we acknowledge it. But Ghanaians do not live on paper,” he said, insisting that the government's economic gains must be reflected in the purchasing power and employment prospects of citizens.