In a recent public discussion, Dr. Ishaq, a senior lecturer at Kumasi Technical University, has said that the finance minister, Ato Forson lied in the budget summary read during the 2026 budget.
Speaking on Wontumi TV with Oheneba Nana Asiedu, he compared the administration’s progress with that of previous governments and highlighted what he described as inconsistencies in official communication.
According to him, citizens typically exercise patience during a government’s first year in office. “When a government comes to power in its first year, the citizens have patience for the government,” he noted.
However, he argued that this patience is now being tested.
A major focus of his critique was the government’s flagship 24-hour economy initiative, introduced during John Mahama’s campaign and framed as “one job, three workers, working in three shifts.” Dr. Ishaq contended that despite its prominence in public discourse, the initiative has seen little progress. “The year is almost gone, and the only thing being talked about is the 24-hour economy,” he said.
He questioned the government’s financial commitments to the policy, stating that officials have indicated a need for $4 million to implement the system, alongside an allocation of ₵110 million. “₵110 million has been allocated to the 24-hour economy, and what at all is it going to be used for?” he asked.
Dr. Ishaq contrasted this allocation with others in the budget. For example, the ₵292 million earmarked for sanitary pads for schoolgirls is more than double the amount set aside for the 24-hour economy. Additionally, the “Nkokoo Nketenkete” initiative has received an allocation of $25 million.
Another major concern raised was the recent increase in electricity tariffs. “The year has not ended yet, but electricity has been increased for domestic use by 17.4%, and it is possible it can be increased again,” he stated. He contrasted this with the early years of the Akufo-Addo administration, noting, “Nana Addo in his first and second year decreased electricity tariffs by 17.5% for households, 30% for manufacturing companies, and 10% for the mining sector.”
Dr. Ishaq also challenged statements by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson in paragraph 79 of the Budget Summary, where the minister claimed that monthly electricity payments had risen from ₵900 million to ₵1.7 billion. “Ato Forson lied in the Budget Summary… It is not true,” Dr. Ishaq asserted.
He referenced revenue data from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to support his position:
- ₵8.69 billion in 2022
- ₵15.75 billion in 2023 (an 80% increase)
- ₵16.75 billion in 2024
- ₵17.23 billion in 2025
Based on these figures, he argued, “The increase between 2024 and 2025 is 3.42%, not what Ato Forson said.”
Dr. Ishaq credited the improvement in ECG’s revenue collection to digital innovation. “The increment and game-changing in ECG is all about digitalization through MoMo—and all thanks to Dr. Bawumia,” he said, noting that mobile money payments and digital tracking have significantly strengthened revenue collection and reduced losses.
He concluded by urging the public and the current administration to maintain perspective and manage expectations. “Going forward into the first year of the NDC government, their heat is too much. They should appreciate Nana Addo by implementing IMF requirements,” he said.
Source: wontumionline.com
