Member of Parliament for Akuapem North Samuel Awuku has criticized the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review presented by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, describing the presentation as a mere inventory of government activities rather than a demonstrable record of economic impact.
Participating in the parliamentary debate on the economic performance statement, the former Director-General of the National Lottery Authority argued that six months into the fiscal year, young citizens continue to face severe job scarcity, prohibitive business setup costs, and limited vocational opportunities.
Awuku stated that policy measures cited by the administration, including the 24-hour economy initiative and specialized agricultural schemes, have failed to translate into measurable job creation or improved living conditions for young job seekers.
Citing data from the Ghana Statistical Service, the lawmaker emphasized that youth unemployment among citizens aged fifteen to thirty-five remains critical, with nearly two million young people currently disengaged from formal education, employment, or technical training.
He urged the Ministry of Finance to shift its reporting metrics toward tangible socio-economic outcomes and job growth indicators rather than public expenditure tallies and initial project launches.
