Minority Demands Transparency Over GH¢13.1bn Aircraft Procurement — Jinapor The Member of Parliament for Damongo, Hon. Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, has raised concerns over the government’s multi-year expenditure commitment for the purchase of four helicopters and two presidential jets. Addressing the media, Hon. Jinapor explained that, according to page 202, Appendix 40 of the national budget presented to Parliament by the Finance Minister, the government is programmed to spend GH¢3,596,866,533 in the current year. When the total four-year expenditure for the aircraft procurement is calculated, it amounts to GH¢13,152,772,333. He noted that converting this figure at an exchange rate of GH¢11 to the dollar yields approximately US$1,195,642,939. Using the Bank of Ghana reference rate of GH¢10.53, the amount translates to about US$1,249,900,718. Hon. Jinapor stressed that governance must be rooted in transparency and accountability. He stated that the constitutional duty of the Minority

Annoh-Dompreh Questions Lands Minister Over Cocoa’s Classification in REDD+ Programme The Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyir and Minority Chief Whip, Hon. Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has questioned the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources on whether cocoa farms or cocoa-producing areas have been reserved exclusively for the Forestry Commission under the REDD+ programme, and the justification for such a decision. Addressing Parliament, Hon. Annoh-Dompreh explained that the concept of Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) emerged from global efforts to combat climate change under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). He noted that in the early 2000s, scientists established that deforestation and forest degradation accounted for between 10% and 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making forest conservation a crucial component of climate mitigation efforts. According to him, Ghana’s REDD+ programme is a collaborative in

*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