{
  "id": 19715289,
  "title": "2027 Budget offers figures, not relief for struggling Ghanaians – Minority caucus",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/12/2027-budget-offers-figures-not-relief-for-struggling-ghanaians",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-12T22:16:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/2027-budget-offers-figures-not-relief-for-struggling-ghanaians-minority-caucus/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Minority caucus in Parliament has criticized the 2027 Budget, arguing it does not alleviate the hardships faced by Ghanaians. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin highlighted that the government's economic data offers little comfort to those struggling with rising food prices and unemployment. This assessment came after Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson presented the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament.\n\nAfenyo-Markin pointed out that despite the government's claims of progress, food prices in markets across the country remain unaffordable for many households in cities like Techiman, Tamale, Kumasi, Winneba, and Accra. He accused the government of not supporting farmers, accusing them of failing to provide aid to locally produced staples, which have become increasingly expensive.\n\nThe Minority Leader questioned the government's patience, stating that two years have passed without visible improvements in living conditions. He argued that the NDC cannot rebrand unemployment or downplay the cost of living. Afenyo-Markin also criticized the government's lack of clarity on how the proposed New Economy Programme will create jobs and whether the US$10 billion allocated to it will be available in 2027.\n\nHe further questioned the development plan running from 2027 to 2030, suggesting it extends beyond the current government term. Afenyo-Markin welcomed the government's compliance with the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme but asked why similar resources are not available for public-sector workers and recruitment. He emphasized that employment and household welfare should be the primary indicators of economic performance.\n\nThe Minority Leader also criticized the promised women's bank, noting its absence from the presentation despite previous commitments. He criticized electricity tariff increases and questioned the feasibility of incentives for machinery imports in stimulating private investment. Afenyo-Markin concluded by stating that the caucus would thoroughly examine the budget and present a comprehensive assessment after the budget workshop.",
  "summary": "The Minority in Parliament says the 2027 Budget fails to address the hardship facing Ghanaians, arguing that the government’s economic figures offer little comfort to people struggling with food prices and unemployment.",
  "key_points": [
    "2027 Budget fails to address Ghanaians' struggles with rising food prices and unemployment.",
    "Caucus questions job creation in New Economy Programme and US$10 billion allocation."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}