Ghana's Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, has challenged the Minority in Parliament to support calls for former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to return to Ghana. Ayariga stated Ofori-Atta should account for the country's substantial debt burden. He made these remarks during the debate on the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review on Thursday, July 23.
Mr. Ayariga questioned Ofori-Atta's absence from Ghana. He urged that the former minister be made to answer for Ghana's debt situation. The Majority Leader accused the previous administration of reckless borrowing. He claimed this left Ghanaians bearing the cost of restoring the economy.
This demand highlights the ongoing political discourse surrounding Ghana's economic stability and accountability. Ghana's public debt has been a persistent concern, impacting the nation's fiscal health and its ability to secure international financing. The current government has committed to repaying GHS 111 billion in domestic debt over the next two years, a significant financial undertaking.
Mr. Ayariga directly contrasted the performance of the current Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, with that of his predecessor. He insisted that the economy is now being managed without the heavy borrowing and new taxes that characterized the previous administration. "We were in this country, in this Parliament, and there was a Finance Minister who told us that he could not run this economy without taxing our mobile money transfers," Ayariga stated.
He further added, "Today, we have a Finance Minister who has abolished all those taxes, and yet he is successfully managing our economy." This comparison aims to underscore a perceived shift towards more prudent fiscal management under the current leadership. The abolition of certain taxes, such as those on mobile money transfers, has been a key policy point for the current government.
The Majority Leader commended Dr. Forson for what he described as prudent economic management. He said the Finance Minister had "given a good account of himself" through policies. These policies have reportedly stabilized the economy while easing the tax burden on Ghanaians. This political endorsement seeks to bolster public confidence in the current economic direction.
Mr. Ayariga also criticized the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration over its spending priorities. He argued that the current government is investing in essential infrastructure. These include schools, roads, and bridges, rather than projects like the National Cathedral. This shift in spending focus is presented as a more responsible use of public funds.
The Mid-Year Budget Review, according to Ayariga, demonstrates that resources are being channeled into expanding educational infrastructure. It also aims at improving existing schools and undertaking major road projects across the country. These investments are crucial for long-term economic development and improving citizens' quality of life.
The Majority Leader concluded by expressing confidence in Dr. Forson's stewardship of the economy. He declared that "Ghana is working again" under the current Finance Minister. He urged the House to commend Dr. Forson for his performance. These remarks drew sharp political contrasts during the debate, with the Majority defending the government's economic record.
The Minority, however, continued to challenge aspects of the Mid-Year Budget Review. The call for accountability for past debt management will likely remain a significant point of contention in Ghana's political landscape. It highlights the ongoing debate about fiscal responsibility and economic governance.