Thursday, 23 July

Minority demand answers to over $1 billion reserve decline

Politics
Kojo Oppong Nkrumah

Ranking Member of Parliament’s Economy and Development Committee Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has called on Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson to account for the reported $1.2 billion decline in Ghana’s international reserves when he presents the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review on Thursday, July 23, 2026.

Speaking during a debate on a parliamentary report on monetary policy, macroeconomic developments and the performance of the banking sector on Wednesday, Mr Oppong Nkrumah said Ghanaians deserve a clear explanation for the reduction in the country’s external reserves.

He, however, commended the Bank of Ghana for ending its financing of GoldBod’s operations, describing the move as a positive step toward strengthening monetary discipline.

Also contributing to the debate, the First Deputy Minority Whip and Member of Parliament for Tolon, Habib Iddrisu, urged the Finance Minister not to seek additional funding in the mid-year budget review.

According to him, the government has yet to fulfil major policy promises including the implementation of the 24-hour economy, the establishment of the Women’s Development Bank and the creation of jobs, despite funds already allocated for those initiatives.

The Minority’s concerns come ahead of Thursday’s highly anticipated budget review where the Finance Minister is expected to provide an update on the government’s economic performance and fiscal outlook.

Source: classfmnoline.com/Zita Okwang