“We’ve Shifted from Criminal Handling of the Economy to Prudence” — Ayariga on 2026 Budget

Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has praised the 2026 Budget presented to Parliament, describing it as a clear shift from what he called the country’s previous “criminal handling” of the economy to a more prudent and growth-focused approach within just one year.

Speaking during the budget debate on Thursday, November 27, Ayariga commended the fiscal direction of the Mahama administration, noting that the latest budget demonstrates responsible management and a commitment to economic growth.

“This is a budget that will generate growth. This is a budget that reflects prudent management of the resources of this economy to achieve growth objectives,” he stated.

Ayariga added, “In one year — and this budget reflects this — we have shifted gears from a criminal handling of the economy to prudence. Indeed, the president had course to describe the situation that we met in this country as a crime scene.”

His remarks follow the presentation of the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama. The budget, themed “Resetting for Growth, Jobs, and Economic Transformation,” sets out plans to move Ghana from stabilisation to expansion.

Dr. Forson told Parliament that the country is transitioning “from recovery to transformation, resilience to productivity, and stability to jobs,” citing improvements in macroeconomic indicators, including restored fiscal discipline, a stabilised cedi, declining inflation, and renewed investor confidence — all part of a national economic “reset.”

“Confidence is returning. The Black Star is rising once more. Ghana is back, strong, stable, and full of hope,” the Finance Minister declared.