Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has expressed his dissatisfaction with the 2024 Mid-Year Budget Review, suggesting it indicates the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is on the brink of becoming the opposition.

Dr. Forson's comments came after Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam presented the budget review on Tuesday, July 23.

Dr. Adam's presentation focused on the government's efforts to reverse adverse economic trends and manage expenses, reporting a provisional national debt of GH¢742 billion (US$50.9 billion) as of June, which amounts to 70.6% of GDP. He assured that the government is adhering to its budgetary limits.

Despite these assurances, Dr. Forson criticized the review for failing to eliminate certain taxes, including the COVID levy, E-Levy, and Emissions Levy. He argued that these taxes contribute to Ghana’s high tax burden, which is driving businesses and citizens away.

Dr. Forson contended that the government's lack of innovative solutions reflects a failure to address the country’s urgent economic challenges effectively.

The Minority Leader also referenced the Majority caucus's jubilation song “Abamu awie,” suggesting that the NPP is now on its way to opposition.

The Minority Leader also referenced the Majority caucus's jubilation song “Abamu awie,” suggesting that the NPP is now on its way to opposition.

Dr. Forson highlighted that, in his opinion, the review revealed the NPP's shortcomings in addressing the needs and expectations of Ghanaians.

He urged the government to reassess its approach and implement more impactful policies to rejuvenate the economy and offer greater relief to the public.

“At the very least Ghanaians expected that this mid-year review would have removed or abolished a number of taxes that has made Ghana a high tax regime to the extent that businesses are moving out of the country and the ordinary Ghanian is actually leaving the shores of this country. For example example COVID levy, E-Levy, ‘Borla’ tax, tax on domestic electricity, emission levy.

“Mr Speaker this is a missed opportunity. Mr Speaker instead the minister did not announce one single new policy. The minister did not introduce new ideas. Mr Speaker unfortunately Ghana is on autopilot, and our economy is on autopilot…All what I want to tell them, they are bereft of new ideas and I’m happy that they sang’ abamu awie’, you are on your way to opposition," he stated.