Governance Expert, Prof. Enoch Opoku Antwi, has commended government for stabilizing the economy in under one year, but emphasized that ordinary Ghanaians must begin to feel the impact directly in their livelihoods.
Speaking on the TV3 Morning Show on Friday, November 14, 2025, Prof. Antwi shared his reflections on the Finance Minister’s 2026 budget presentation in Parliament, noting that the fundamentals of the economy are now strong.
He praised the scrapping of several “nuisance taxes” under President John Mahama’s administration, including the COVID-19 levy, describing them as burdensome to citizens and businesses.
“The COVID tax, which was a very nuisance tax, is gone. What is left now is the need for a smarter revenue-raising strategy to balance our costs. The fundamentals are very strong now, and I think you can never have progress without a solid base. Since independence, that has been our challenge. Nkrumah had the ideas and the pace, but he didn’t have the base to work with. This budget gives us hope that now we have the foundation strong,” he said.
Prof. Antwi stressed that with the economic base secured, government must now focus on infrastructure development to accelerate growth.
“Let’s begin next year with the pace we are looking for. I’m talking about building factories everywhere, hospitals, schools, bridges, national parks, all the things we need to transform this country,” he urged.
He also commended Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson for presenting a budget that demonstrated courage, compassion, prudence, and discipline. Prof. Antwi highlighted the significant reduction in Ghana’s debt stock:
“Our debt was 726.7 billion, representing 61.8% of GDP. Now, in 2024, it has been reduced to 630.2 billion, which is 45% of GDP. Within one year, government has saved us 17% of GDP. That is truly remarkable.”
Despite these achievements, Prof. Antwi acknowledged widespread complaints from citizens who say they do not feel the benefits of the improved economy in their daily lives.
“ECG revenue has risen by 90%. ECG was making 9 million every month, now it is making 1.7 billion. That is very hopeful. We have a strong and hopeful economy, which is the dream of many people. But some say they don’t feel the impact. Government must do more so people can feel the impact in their pockets,” he cautioned.
He further applauded government’s directive to prioritize local production of staples such as rice, maize, eggs, and chicken, but urged stronger measures to prevent waste and support farmers.
“The President has ordered that rice, maize, eggs, and chicken should be produced in Ghana, which is excellent. But a lot of vegetables are rotting, mangoes, oranges. Let’s buy them for the schools so children can eat and have a balanced diet. Unless we begin to consume what we produce, we will always have a problem.”
