In Parliament on Tuesday, New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP Patrick Yaw Boamah demanded answers from the government on its missing campaign promise to create 800,000 jobs. The Okaikwei Central MP made the call during the debate on the Mid-Year Budget Review of the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy in Accra.
Government's Revenue Performance Questioned
Despite reporting strong revenue performance, the government has been accused of failing to provide an update on its campaign promise to create 800,000 jobs. Patrick Yaw Boamah questioned the government's priorities, saying, "Mr Speaker, a government that has raised so much money and cannot even pay doctors, nurses, and teachers, and the Minister is very comfortable reporting this to us."
The criticism came in response to Mr Atta Isaah, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP for Sagnarigu, who defended Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, the Minister of Finance. Mr Boamah accused the government of allegedly failing to provide an update on its campaign promise to create 800,000 jobs, saying, "Mr. Speaker, a government that promised to create 800,000 jobs could not report to us during the mid-year review. That is what the NDC Government has done."
Development Projects in Ajumako
The Okaikwei Central MP also raised concerns about development projects in the Ajumako area, the constituency of the Finance Minister. He alleged that residents were more concerned about employment opportunities and payment of cocoa farmers than some of the projects being undertaken. Mr Boamah questioned the decision to site an alleged specialist hospital project in the area, insisting that job creation and economic opportunities should remain the priority.
He referenced the Tree Crop Development Authority Act passed by Parliament to support crops including oil palm. However, he criticised what he described as an alleged disconnect between the government's policy commitments and implementation. Mr Boamah recalled that the 2026 Budget outlined plans to invest more than US$500 million to revive the oil palm sector.
Parliament to Continue Debate
Both sides defended their respective records on revenue mobilisation, spending, and economic management. Parliament is expected to continue debate on the issue in the coming days. The Mid-Year Review of the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy was presented to Parliament on Thursday, July 23, 2026, by Dr. Forson, the Minister of Finance.
The review outlined the government's revised expenditure and revenue projections for the rest of 2026. It also highlighted the removal of several taxes introduced under the previous administration, including the E-Levy on Momo transactions. A Mid-Year Budget Review is a legal requirement in Ghana, as mandated by Article 179 of the 1992 Constitution and the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921).
Demand for Transparency and Accountability
Patrick Yaw Boamah said, "This law exists to promote transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline. Parliament and the public must know if the government is on track or off track and approve any major changes mid-year." The debate on the Mid-Year Budget Review is expected to continue, with both sides defending their respective records on revenue mobilisation, spending, and economic management.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the government's failure to provide an update on its campaign promise to create 800,000 jobs has left many questioning its priorities. The Okaikwei Central MP's demand for transparency and accountability has put the spotlight on the government's economic management and its commitment to job creation.
Source: Joy Online
