Former Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam has accused the government of losing public goodwill. He stated that the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review shows its early optimism has given way to economic realities.
Dr. Amin Adam, who serves as the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Finance Committee and MP for Karaga, made these comments on Thursday, July 24. His remarks followed Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson's presentation of the review in Parliament. Dr. Amin Adam argued the presentation failed to provide evidence of significant progress under the John Dramani Mahama administration. Instead, it relied heavily on explanations and criticisms of the previous government.
This criticism comes at a crucial time for Ghana's economy, which has faced persistent challenges including inflation and currency depreciation. The government's ability to manage public expectations and deliver tangible economic improvements is vital for maintaining stability. Public sentiment often reflects the perceived effectiveness of economic policies. A decline in goodwill could complicate future policy implementation and public cooperation.
According to Dr. Amin Adam, the government’s own figures presented in the budget review revealed challenges. These challenges, he said, contradicted the positive picture the government attempted to paint. “The Minister tried his best to do what he does best which is propaganda but his own data gave him out,” Dr. Amin Adam stated. He added that the government’s current situation showed that the period of public excitement following its assumption of office had ended. “His own data showed that the honeymoon is over and they are now faced with the reality,” he emphasized.
Dr. Amin Adam further criticized the government’s decision to continue blaming the previous administration after more than a year in office. He argued that voters expected the government to focus on fulfilling its promises rather than explaining inherited challenges. “The Ghanaian people voted for them to deliver just that and not to blame the previous government,” he said. This sentiment highlights a growing impatience among the populace for concrete solutions to economic hardships. The public is increasingly looking for accountability and results from the current administration.
The former Finance Minister also maintained that the Mid-Year Budget Review did not provide enough answers for Ghanaians. Citizens are looking for evidence of improved economic conditions. “We all saw in his address, there is nothing to tell the people of Ghana,” Dr. Amin Adam concluded. This suggests a perceived lack of transparency or effectiveness in the government's economic communication. The market and public will closely watch for the government's response to these criticisms. Future economic reports and policy announcements will be scrutinized for tangible signs of progress and a shift from blame to actionable solutions. The implications for investor confidence and political stability are significant, as sustained public dissatisfaction can deter foreign investment and impact domestic consumption.