The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has defended the 2026 Budget, dismissing claims by the Minority in Parliament that the fiscal policy presented by the Mahama-led administration is empty.
Speaking during the parliamentary debate last Friday, Opoku accused some MPs of focusing on commentary rather than engaging with the actual content of the budget.
“Our colleagues are debating commentaries, not substance. They have not read the budget,” he said, urging lawmakers to familiarize themselves with allocations and projections to ensure informed discussions that could benefit the Ghanaian people.
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The Minister described the 2026 Budget as the most ambitious and investment-driven plan Ghana has seen in over a decade, emphasizing capital expenditure, education infrastructure, road development, and social protection. He highlighted comparative figures from the previous administration, noting that capital expenditure had more than doubled, from GH¢28 billion in 2024, of which only GH¢18 billion was locally generated, to GH¢57 billion in 2026, with GH¢45 billion generated domestically.
“And you still say we are not paying contractors? My brother, you don’t know the contents of this budget,” Opoku remarked, revealing that arrears clearance increased from a projected GH¢12 billion under the previous government to GH¢29 billion under the 2026 plan.
He also pointed to a major shift from consumption to development spending. While the former administration spent nearly GH¢15 billion on goods and services in 2024, the current government reduced office expenditure to GH¢13 billion, redirecting the savings to capital projects. Similarly, while the previous government projected GH¢17 billion in office expenditure for 2027, the NDC-led administration capped it at GH¢14 billion.
On education funding, Opoku criticized the NPP government for underfunding GETFund, noting that in 2024, GH¢8 billion was projected, but only GH¢3.2 billion was allocated, most of it collateralized through Daakye PLC. By contrast, the 2026 Budget allocates the full GH¢9.8 billion projected inflow to GETFund, ensuring that school infrastructure receives full support.
The Minister made similar points regarding the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), noting that while the previous government projected an inflow of GH¢9 billion and released only GH¢6.5 billion, the 2026 Budget fully allocates GH¢11 billion to the health system.
Hon. Eric Opoku also emphasized education infrastructure, revealing plans to establish two new technical universities in Jasikan and Techiman, a new university in Damongo, and two additional public universities, including one in Kintampo and another in Techiman. “In eight years, they could not complete two universities. We are building five, and they call this budget empty,” he said.
The Minister also underscored infrastructure and road development, stating that the Road Fund will receive its full projected inflow of GH¢3 billion in 2026, compared to GH¢2.8 billion in 2024, of which only GH¢1.1 billion was released. He also highlighted flagship projects, including Ghana’s first expressway beyond the Accra–Tema Motorway and plans to add 1,200MW of power, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to boosting energy, transportation, and economic development.
Hon. Eric Opoku urged Parliament to allow ministers involved in the budget formulation process to participate actively in post-budget workshops to explain proposed projects and ensure informed parliamentary oversight.