{
  "id": 19756740,
  "title": "‘Do you want me to crash the country?’ – Ato Forson asks critics demanding huge spending",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/do-you-want-me-to-crash-the-country-ato-forson-asks-critics-demanding",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-13T04:41:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/do-you-want-me-to-crash-the-country-ato-forson-asks-critics-demanding-huge-spending/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson addressed concerns about government spending, asserting that a significant portion of available public funds is dedicated to settling outstanding debts and restoring economic stability. He emphasized that the government cannot disregard its financial obligations to appease calls for additional expenditure. Dr Forson disclosed that the government has paid GH¢41 billion to bondholders under the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP), describing it as part of the inherited financial responsibilities from the previous administration. Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, Dr Forson rejected accusations of insufficient spending, stating, \"I’m spending, but you see, people don’t appreciate it.\" He noted that his inheritance includes a substantial debt burden and an experienced economic management team. The minister highlighted that the government inherited a challenging economic situation, including significant debt obligations, which necessitate careful management to prevent a relapse into financial instability. His top priority is settling due debts, restoring market confidence, and guiding expenditure decisions based on available resources and obligations. The 2027 Budget projects GH¢389.2 billion in total government expenditure, with a focus on capital projects, debt servicing, employee compensation, and arrears clearance. Dr Forson also announced plans to clear GH¢29 billion in DDEP principal early and pay a US$590 million Eurobond obligation by December 31, 2026. The government aims to avoid returning to the financial difficulties that led to debt restructuring.",
  "summary": "Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has defended the government’s expenditure record, saying a substantial part of available public funds is going towards settling inherited debts and restoring confidence in the economy rather than financing new spending.",
  "key_points": [
    "Finance Minister Dr Ato Forson addresses government spending concerns.",
    "GH¢41 billion paid to bondholders under DDEP Programme.",
    "Government prioritizes debt settlement and economic stability."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Prioritizing inherited debt obligations over new public spending shifts the government's focus toward restoring market confidence and preventing a return to the financial instability that necessitated previous debt restructuring.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Adom Online",
        "title": "‘Do you want me to crash the country?’ – Ato Forson asks critics demanding huge spending",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/do-you-want-me-to-crash-the-country-ato-forson-asks-critics-demanding-19758441",
        "published": "2026-11-13T04:49:18.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}