Kwabre East MP Criticizes NDC for Repeating Unfulfilled 2025 Promises in 2026 Budget

The Member of Parliament for Kwabre East, Hon. Akwasi Gyamfi Onyina-Acheampong, has raised concerns over the credibility of the 2026 Budget, accusing the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government of repeating unfulfilled promises from the 2025 budget.

In an interview on Oyerepa Radio, Hon. Onyina-Acheampong argued that the repetition of key policy commitments in the 2026 Budget indicates the government's failure to meet its previous targets.

“Almost every promise made by the NDC government in the 2025 budget has been repeated in the 2026 budget, which suggests they were unable to deliver,” he stated. “What assurance do we have that they will now fulfill the promises for 2026? Their credibility is in serious doubt.”

The MP also expressed concerns about the government’s revenue performance in 2025, suggesting that the failure to meet revenue targets raises questions about the feasibility of the ambitious goals set for 2026. The 2025 budget had projected revenue of GH¢226 billion, but by September, the state faced a GH¢71 billion shortfall.

“We failed to meet the 2025 revenue target, yet the government has set a higher target of GH¢268 billion for 2026,” he said. “If they had maintained taxes that supported revenue mobilization, there might have been some hope. Instead, key taxes have been reduced or eliminated.”

He specifically pointed to recent VAT reforms and the removal of the COVID-19 levy, warning that the government could introduce new taxes later, as they did in 2025.

“In 2025, they removed taxes like the betting tax and others, but later introduced a fuel tax. What assurance do we have that, if the 2026 budget is approved, they won’t bring in new taxes again?” he questioned.

Hon. Onyina-Acheampong also cast doubt on the government’s ability to adequately fund flagship initiatives such as the 24-Hour Economy and the National Apprenticeship Programme. He noted that the allocation for the 24-Hour Economy is insufficient, and the government has already failed to deliver on its promise to create jobs for the youth.

“They promised jobs for the youth, but since taking office, they have not been able to deliver. How can we trust that these repeated programs will now be executed?” he asked.

The MP concluded that until the government demonstrates tangible results, public trust in its fiscal commitments will remain low.

*Source: MyNewsGh.com*