Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has criticised the government for failing to announce any specific financial policy measures for the cocoa sector in the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, July 23, after Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson presented the budget review, the Effutu MP argued that cocoa farmers had been unfairly treated under the current administration.
“Throughout his review, there was no policy announcement for the cocoa sector. The 4 million cocoa farmers are suffering,” Afenyo-Markin stated.
He further accused the Finance Minister of worsening economic difficulties since taking office, describing the situation as one marked by hardship and frustration.
“This Finance Minister since he took over, we have seen suffering and wailing, and then he comes here to lament,” he said.
The Minority Leader also criticised the government’s approach to economic management, arguing that the Finance Minister had ignored recommendations from the Minority.
“He talks about determining the true cost of economic policy. He is talking about having met some cost, but what he has forgotten is that he has refused good counsel from the Minority,” he added.
Meanwhile, Afenyo-Markin has raised concerns over the Finance Minister’s remarks that the success of a finance minister should not be measured by how much money is spent.
According to him, the statement should worry Ministers of State, as it suggests possible restrictions on funding for government ministries.
“He has just told this House that the true measure of a Finance Minister is not determined by how much he spends. Such a statement must cause palpitations among Ministers of State,” he said.
“Basically, what he is telling Ministers is that he is not going to spend; he is not going to release funds to you,” he added.
The Effutu MP claimed that some ministers were already struggling due to inadequate funding and warned that continued restrictions could affect their ability to perform their duties effectively.
