News:
November 13, 2026
The Minority in Ghana’s Parliament has criticised Speaker Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin for preventing it and its Majority colleagues from making initial comments on the 2027 budget presented by Finance Minister Dr. Ato Forson on Thursday, November 12, 2026.
Minority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin said the Minority cannot be silenced, especially when the finance minister presented what he called a “paper economy” whose figures do not reflect realities on the ground.
At a press conference shortly after Parliament adjourned, he said food prices remained very high at the Kotokuraba, Koforidua, Techiman, Winneba Central and Tamale markets, and that Ghanaians cannot afford them.
He said the Speaker did not allow the Minority to make its submission and express its initial observations on the presentation.
“The finance minister claims there is going to be processing of maize and other farm produce, meanwhile we have seen rising prices of rice, maize, yam and other produce from our farmers. They are more expensive than imported ones,” he said.
“Our farmers are suffering and not getting any support from the government. If you pay attention to the finance minister, there is no effort from the government to support cocoa farmers. Since this government came into office, the farm-gate price of cocoa per bag has rather reduced. In opposition, that was not what they promised.”
He added that the minister did not tell Ghanaians the work ahead would demand patience.
“Whose patience?” he asked. “He himself was a Minority Leader. He said the way the economy was being run was not the right way and that a John Mahama-led government would do better. Today, when Ghanaians call on the government to provide jobs, he is saying the work ahead demands patience.”
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com