Mr Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader, on Wednesday defended the 2026 budget, pointing to achievements such as the 24-hour economy programme and infrastructure projects like the Kumasi highway as signs of progress.

Speaking on the Floor of Parliament, after Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, the Finance Minister, had presented the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to the House, he emphasized the budget’s approval by ministers, indicating transparency and agreement.

It was on the theme: “Resetting for Growth, Jobs, and Economic Transformation.”

According to Mr Ayariga, also the Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Ghana’s inflation rate had improved and currently stood at eight per cent.

He said, “Mr Speaker, the country’s credit rating has been upgraded to B- with a stable outlook. The government is focusing on economic growth and urging youth to stay in the country,” he said.

On infrastructure development, Mr Ayariga, also the National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament for Bawuku, highlighted developmental projects like the Kumasi highway to demonstrate the government’s commitment to progress.

He, however, acknowledged a tragic incident involving six young women on Wednesday during a Ghana Armed Forces recruitment process.

The Majority Leader expressed empathy while emphasizing the government’s efforts to address challenges.

The budget presentation comes as Ghana nears its exit from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme in May 2026, with analysts expecting a balance between growth-oriented spending and fiscal discipline.

On his part, Mr Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader, criticized the Finance Minister for allegedly not providing adequate information and accounting for certain funds.

He emphasized the importance of parliamentary oversight and expressed frustration that the minister had allegedly not recognized the work of parliament.