Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has predicted that the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) will return to opposition in 2028. He made this assertion shortly after Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson presented the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review to Parliament on Thursday, July 23, 2026. Mr. Afenyo-Markin accused the government of failing to meet Ghanaian expectations despite its economic interventions.
The Minority Leader launched a strong critique of the government’s economic management. He warned that citizens would judge the administration based on their lived experiences, not on the economic progress highlighted in the Finance Minister’s presentation. Mr. Afenyo-Markin argued that growing public dissatisfaction could have significant political consequences for the NDC.
This prediction fits into Ghana's broader political landscape, where economic performance often dictates electoral outcomes. Historically, voters have shown a tendency to shift support based on perceived improvements or declines in living standards. The 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review is a critical juncture, as it sets the economic tone for the remaining period before the next general election. Public sentiment regarding economic policies, such as the gold-for-reserves program and agricultural support, will heavily influence the political narrative.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin specifically challenged the government’s spending priorities and questioned its handling of key economic sectors. He stated, “The true measure of a finance minister is not how much he spends.” He argued that the impact of government policies on citizens' livelihoods, employment opportunities, and business confidence should be the primary evaluation criteria.
The Minority Leader raised concerns over alleged inconsistencies in the government’s financial disclosures regarding agricultural programs. He claimed that while a deputy minister stated GHS 1.6 billion was released to the Agriculture Minister, the Finance Minister later reported only GHS 1.1 billion. This discrepancy raises questions about transparency and accountability in public spending.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin also criticized the government for inadequate attention to the cocoa sector, stating that 4 million cocoa farmers were suffering. He noted that the Mid-Year Budget Review contained no new policy announcements for the sector. He alleged that farmers have faced difficulties since Dr. Ato Forson assumed responsibility as supervising minister for cocoa-related matters.
Furthermore, the Minority Leader criticized the government’s management of the gold-for-reserves policy. He claimed the administration ignored opposition warnings about initial charges of 15% associated with the program. He alleged that subsequent adjustments, reducing charges to 9% following International Monetary Fund (IMF) engagements, occurred after significant financial losses had already been incurred. Mr. Afenyo-Markin stated that the IMF indicated losses of GHS 9.6 billion from this policy.
He questioned the government’s claim of prudent economic management, given these alleged losses. The Minority Leader described the Mid-Year Budget Review as lacking practical measures to address citizens' economic challenges, calling it “full of English with empty payment.” He argued that the government’s economic achievements did not align with the financial pressures faced by many Ghanaians.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin also alleged that government payments had been directed towards party supporters rather than serving broader national interests. He claimed, “The monies have gone to your party members.” This accusation, if substantiated, could further erode public trust in the government's financial management and fairness.
The Minority Leader questioned the allocation of GHS 42 million to the 24-hour economy program while critical healthcare infrastructure, like the Agenda 111 hospitals, remained abandoned. He argued that investing in market expansion projects when health facilities are incomplete is a misplacement of priorities. He also alleged that local assemblies were being forced to use their own allocations to support the 24-hour economy initiative.
The implications of these criticisms are significant for the government's credibility and the upcoming 2028 elections. The public will closely watch how the government responds to allegations of financial mismanagement, particularly concerning the gold-for-reserves policy and agricultural support. The perceived impact of economic policies on ordinary Ghanaians will be a key factor in shaping political discourse and voter sentiment in the coming years.