IERPP demands full account of 24-hour economy spending

The Institute of Economic Research and Public Policy (IERPP) has called on the government to publish a detailed report on the spending and progress of the 24-Hour Economy programme. Executive Director Prof. Isaac Boadi urged the government to provide a full accounting of funds disbursed, expenditures incurred, and completed projects.

During a news conference on Tuesday, October 27, Boadi questioned the discrepancy between the GH¢90 million allocated in the 2026 Budget's detailed expenditure tables and the GH¢110 million mentioned in the Budget Speech. The Budget listed GH¢70 million for goods and services, along with GH¢20 million for capital expenditure, totaling GH¢90 million.

However, the Budget Speech indicated that GH¢110 million had been allocated for the programme. Boadi emphasized that an allocation is not the same as a release or expenditure. The IERPP is demanding transparency to allow the public to monitor resource utilization and evaluate program progress. The Ministry of Finance previously classified the GH¢110 million as a facilitating allocation, with additional funding anticipated from private investors and development partners.

Still, this explanation alone does not resolve the discrepancy between the budget figures. The institute is urging the government to release relevant financial and implementation details to enhance transparency and accountability.