*Walewale MP Slams Government's Big Push Policy as Unrealistic* Hon Mahama Tiah Abdul Kabiru, Member of Parliament for Walewale, has criticized the government's Big Push policy, questioning its effectiveness in creating sustainable jobs and driving economic growth. Speaking in Parliament, Hon Kabiru expressed concerns that the policy's focus on constructing jobs, which account for 490,000 of the promised 800,000 jobs, is not a reliable means of providing decent and lasting employment for Ghanaians. Hon Kabiru doubts the government's ability to meet its revenue targets, citing a significant gap between projected revenue and actual collections. The MP highlighted the government's plan to borrow GHS 8 billion in 2027, GHS 8 billion in 2026, and GHS 9 billion in 2029, questioning the sustainability of such debt accumulation. He noted that only 54% of the allocated GHS 13 billion for the Big Push program has been spent, with plans to spend GHS 10 billion by year-end, falling short of

*2026 Budget Debate: Abena Osei Asare Rounds on Govt's Galamsey Fight, Cites Inadequate Funding* The Member of Parliament for Atiwa East, Hon Abena Osei Asare, has expressed disappointment with the government's efforts to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, in the country. Speaking during a debate on the 2026 Budget Statement in Parliament, the Former Deputy Finance Minister emphasized that the devastation caused by galamsey has gone beyond economics and threatens the country's survival. She questioned the allocation of funds to the Ministry of Lands and Forestry, noting that the ministry has been allocated 2.1 billion cedis, but expressed doubt whether this amount is sufficient to effectively combat galamsey. Hon Osei Asare also linked the fight against galamsey to the issue of joblessness, stating that the youth were promised jobs, but the budget's job creation efforts seem inadequate. "The theme of the budget says growth, jobs, and economic transformation, but t

*Majority Leader Praises Finance Minister's Budget Presentation* The Majority Leader of Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has commended the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, for his budget presentation, saying it's a step in the right direction. Ayariga stated that the budget has revealed the bad economic management of the previous NPP government, and it's clear they're struggling in opposition. He noted that Parliament's budget has increased from GHC 1.1 billion in 2025 to a proposed GHC 1.6 billion in 2026. The Majority Leader praised the Finance Minister's efforts, citing reduced inflation, improved international ratings, and debt repayment. He expressed confidence that the budget will create jobs, citing the 24-Hour Economy program with a GHC 150 million allocation. Ayariga also highlighted the tragic incident where six young ladies died trying to find a job, blaming the previous government's economic mismanagement. He believes this budget will bring hope to the youth and