Former Minister for Defence and MP for Bimbilla, Dominic Nitiwul, has launched a scathing attack on the government’s 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy, describing it as unrealistic, ungrounded, and dangerous, particularly in the area of national security.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) lawmaker accused the government of presenting inflated revenue projections, vague expenditure lines, and grossly inadequate allocations to the security sector at a time when instability in the West African sub-region is on the rise.
“Mr. Speaker, this budget is built on sand. The revenue assumptions are inflated, the expenditure lines are vague, and security, the backbone of national stability, has been dangerously underfunded,” he warned.
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Speaking during the budget debate in Parliament last week, Nitiwul argued that the government’s commitment to border control, counter-terrorism, and internal security operations would be severely undermined by what he called reckless financial misjudgment.
“If you starve the security agencies today, you will pay heavily tomorrow. This budget ignores the realities confronting Ghana’s borders, especially given the instability in the Sahel,” he stressed.
He accused the government of over-politicising economic projections, presenting overly optimistic figures meant to mask the true state of fiscal pressure.
Hon. Nitiwul did not spare the Majority side, reminding them that from 2019 to 2024, they persistently weaponised military procurement for political gain.
He said members on the Majority side, including the current Foreign Affairs Minister, insulted the former President and insulted him, and suddenly became aviation experts overnight whenever military aircraft discussions emerged.
Nitiwul pointed to what he described as the government’s quiet attempt to acquire two VIP/executive aircraft, disguised as long-range and medium-range military aircraft.
He explained that Ghana’s military fleet already includes three medium-range aircraft, and no African country operates long-range military aircraft such as heavy bombers.
“Ghana does not need and cannot operate long-range military aircraft. It only leaves us with one option—VIP aircraft, what we call presidential jets,” he clarified.
According to him, he is not against the purchase of such aircraft, but questioned the hypocrisy of the government.
“For five years, you fought against it. You insulted us for it. Nine months into your administration, you are running to buy not one, but two,” he stated.
Nitiwul urged Parliament to reject portions of the 2026 Budget, directing the government to return with a more credible, realistic, and security-focused financial framework.
“Mr. Speaker, Ghana deserves a budget anchored in truth, not wishful thinking. We cannot gamble with national stability,” he concluded.