The Member of Parliament for Upper West Akim, Emmanuel Drah, has commended Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson for presenting the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review without seeking parliamentary approval for a supplementary budget.
Speaking after the Finance Minister presented the review in Parliament on Tuesday, July 29, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) lawmaker described the development as a strong indication of fiscal discipline and prudent economic management by the government.
According to him, the absence of a supplementary budget request demonstrates that the government has remained committed to implementing the 2026 Budget within the expenditure limits approved by Parliament.
“The Minister and the government have adhered to the plans of 2026 in the first six months of the year. This shows that all the policies and reforms the government has introduced are solidly working,” Drah stated.
The Upper West Akim MP, who serves on Parliament’s Economy and Development Committee as well as the Works and Housing Committee, said the government’s Fiscal Consolidation Strategy is gradually shifting Ghana away from excessive public spending towards a more disciplined and sustainable fiscal path.
He further praised the government for abolishing a number of taxes introduced under the previous administration, including the Betting Tax, Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy), Emissions Tax and COVID-19 Levy. According to him, despite the removal of those revenue measures, the economy has remained resilient because the Finance Minister has laid what he described as a solid economic foundation.
“Even after the government abolished all these nuisance taxes, the economy is still stronger. That is because the Finance Minister has laid a solid foundation and deserves commendation,” he said.
Drah also argued that the government is delivering visible development across Ministries, Departments and Agencies while reducing its reliance on borrowing. He noted that lower borrowing has translated into reduced debt servicing obligations, creating more room for productive expenditure.
The legislator, who is the Chief Executive Officer of the Semada Group and holds a Master’s degree in Petroleum Accounting and Finance from the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), expressed confidence in the government’s economic direction. He said if the current fiscal discipline is maintained throughout the second half of the year, Ghana’s economy will record even stronger gains by the end of 2026.
