Ghana's opposition condemns 2026 budget as flawed, citing poor spending, unaccounted funds, and IMF violations.

Ghana's opposition NPP Minority Caucus has sharply criticized the government's 2026 budget, calling it a "Galamsey Budget" lacking growth, jobs, and vision. They accuse Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson of using underspending to mask fiscal mismanagement, citing low capital expenditure at 3.6% of GDP and excessive spending on wages, interest, and transfers. The caucus questioned unspent funds, including $279 million for GoldBod, and raised concerns about central bank financing of gold purchases from illegal miners, violating IMF rules. They also highlighted unaccounted constituency payments and minimal funding for Parliament, warning the budget offers no structural reform and risks continued public disappointment.