Accra, Feb. 28, – The Minority in Parliament has called on the government to take concrete actions to convert Ghana’s recent macroeconomic stability into sustainable economic growth and decent employment opportunities, especially for the youth.
The Minority acknowledged that President John Dramani Mahama, during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Feb. 27, highlighted key economic gains, including a reduction in public debt from 61.8 per cent to 45.3 per cent of GDP, a triple credit rating upgrade, a drop in inflation from 54.1 per cent in 2022 to 23.5 per cent in 2024, and further down to 3.8 per cent by January 2026. The strengthened Ghanaian cedi, US$13.8 billion in reserves, and an economy surpassing the US$100 billion mark were also cited, placing Ghana among Africa’s top 10 economies.
However, following the SONA, Minority leaders expressed concern that these macroeconomic gains had not translated into tangible improvements in the daily lives of Ghanaians. They cited issues such as intermittent power outages, rising electricity tariffs, depleted prepaid electricity credits, illegal mining (galamsey), and youth unemployment. They also criticized the 28.6 per cent reduction in the farmgate price of cocoa from GHS3,625 to GHS2,587 per 64-kilogramme bag.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin described the President’s address as filled with “slogans” rather than practical solutions to basic needs. He stated: “Thousands of Ghanaian youths were dismissed through a letter by the Chief of Staff… Ghanaians continue to suffer under this administration, and we expect concrete action to be taken.”
Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, former Finance Minister and Karaga MP, noted that while macroeconomic indicators were strong, stability alone is insufficient. “Economic stability is not an end. It’s a means to an end; it’s supposed to generate growth,” he said, highlighting that the economy grew 5.7 per cent in 2024 but only 4 per cent in 2025, with a projected 4 per cent in 2026.
Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei stressed that despite improvements in exchange rates, many Ghanaians still struggle to afford basic needs and education for their children. Okaikwei Central MP Patrick Yaw Boamah questioned whether lower inflation and interest rates were effectively driving private sector investment and job creation.
The Minority urged the government to implement flagship programmes, including the 24-hour economy and Big Push initiatives, in ways that meaningfully create employment and reduce the economic burden on citizens.
GHBUSS
28 Feb. 2026
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