Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin took strong exception to aspects of the 2026 budget as presented by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, arguing that the document again downplays the constitutional importance of Parliament.
He opened his critique with a sharp rebuke, saying that “after several months on the job, he came to repeat the same lamentations, part II of the lamentations.” According to him, the minister’s latest submission offered little progress from last year’s fiscal outline.
Afenyo-Markin emphasised that Parliament remains under-resourced, despite being the only institution mandated to provide oversight over the Executive.
“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 described the situation as particularly troubling because Dr Ato Forson himself is a Member of Parliament, yet, in his view, does not demonstrate adequate regard for the institution’s needs.
“Parliament is an important organ of the state. When the Minister himself is a member of parliament and fails to recognise parliament and its work, look at the ministers and their faces,” he remarked.
Afenyo-Markin further questioned whether any meaningful dialogue preceded the presentation of the numbers, noting that even cabinet members appeared unfamiliar with the allocations.
“When he was mentioning the figures, the ministers were looking as if this was the first time they were seeing the figures. Was there any consultation?” he asked.
