The introduction of a proposed New Economy programme in the 2027 Budget has raised questions about the government’s commitment to its flagship 24-hour economy policy, opposition Member of Parliament Elvis Osei Mensah Dapaah has said.
The Ahafo Ano South West MP accused the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) of failing to demonstrate meaningful progress on the 24-hour economy initiative, which featured prominently in its campaign promises before the 2024 general election.
Speaking in an interview with the media ahead of the Finance Minister’s budget presentation, Mr Dapaah questioned why the government was introducing another economic programme when, in his view, the 24-hour economy policy had yet to deliver the expected results.
He said the 24-hour economy had received significant backing from the party’s youth during the election campaign but argued that its implementation had fallen short of expectations after nearly two years in office.
The MP also expressed pessimism about the expected contents of the 2027 Budget.
“I am not expecting any proper thing from this budget today except lies and nothing else,” he said.
Mr Dapaah further predicted that the budget could introduce additional tax measures, citing road-related levies and increases in electricity tariffs as examples of the financial pressures facing households and businesses.
He said he expected further taxation rather than measures that would ease the economic burden on Ghanaians.
The Finance Minister’s 2027 Budget presentation is expected to outline the government’s economic policy direction, revenue projections and expenditure priorities for the coming fiscal year.
