Was there any consultation? – Afenyo-Markin criticises Ato Forson over oversight and spending transparency

Alexander Afenyo-Markin has aimed at the Finance Minister over what he describes as poor recognition of Parliament’s role and unanswered questions surrounding reported monthly payments from the Presidency to constituencies.

Addressing the House after the budget presentation, he argued that Parliament continues to receive inadequate budgetary support despite being responsible for national oversight.

“The minister has failed to consider the work of parliament; he provides a paltry sum to parliament when parliament is the only body that does oversight,” he said.

He added that, even though Dr Forson is himself a legislator, the financial provisions did not reflect an appreciation of Parliament’s responsibilities.

According to him, the reaction of ministers in the chamber suggested they were unfamiliar with several figures mentioned in the budget. “Was there any consultation?” he asked.

Afenyo-Markin also raised concerns about claims made last year by Mustapha Gbande, a Deputy General Secretary of the NDC and an official at the Presidency, who said that GHS20,000 was sent monthly to each constituency.

He questioned why such expenditures were not captured in the 2026 budget or the previous one.

“In the 2025 budget that he brought to this house, we had a director of operations at the Jubilee House who publicly said every month the presidency gives GHS20,000 to each constituency. It totalling 66 million. Where did they get that money from?” he said.

He argued that the Finance Minister had not provided clarity on the source, process, or legal basis for the alleged payments, adding that “time will tell” how the matter unfolds.