Member of Parliament for Damongo, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has strongly criticised the government over what he describes as misplaced priorities, questioning the decision to allocate GH¢13.1 billion for the purchase of four helicopters and two presidential jets, while many public sector workers remain unpaid.
Debating the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy, Samuel Jinapor said the expenditure undermines the government’s own promises to reduce the cost of living and create jobs, arguing that the proposed acquisitions do not reflect the urgent needs of struggling citizens.
He described the move as “unacceptable” especially when nurses, teachers and other public servants are reportedly working without salaries.
“Is this the priority of the Government when traders are suffering, farmers are suffering, nurses are suffering, teachers are suffering?” he asked.
Samuel Jinapor maintained that the planned purchases send the wrong message at a time when households and businesses are grappling with severe economic pressure.
24-HOUR ECONOMY
The Damongo MP also took aim at the government’s touted 24-hour economy, saying there is no real evidence of its implementation, despite claims in the budget that it has “entered full implementation.”
Referencing the NDC’s own “1:3:3” three-shift proposal, he argued that even basic public services are failing to function efficiently, let alone running around the clock.
He questioned how a shift system could work when government is unable to pay existing employees.
“Mr. Speaker, nurses are working without being paid. Teachers are working without being paid. So when will they employ the two additional people to support the system?”
Although the budget touts improvements in inflation and expenditure management, Samuel Abu Jinapor said these gains are not translating into real economic relief.
GOVERNMENT SPENDING
He pointed out that government spending in the first three quarters was 15% below target, a level of under-expenditure he believes is stifling business growth, worsening credit access, and delaying payments across sectors.
“What the Budget describes as discipline is actually strangling the real economy. There is no trickle-down effect.”
He cited reports of over one million metric tons of paddy rice rotting in storage due to lack of buyers, describing it as a clear sign of collapsing domestic demand.
SIZE OF GOVERNMENT
Samuel Jinapor further criticised what he sees as the continuous expansion of government, mentioning new envoy positions and the appointment of 18 deputy heads of mission the highest under any administration.
With the Bank of Ghana warning of rising compensation costs as a key fiscal risk, he questioned why the government is increasing its wage bill while struggling to meet existing obligations. He noted that compensation spending for the Office of the President has surged from GH¢326 million in 2024 to GH¢540 million in 2025.
CONCLUSION
Concluding his submission, Samuel Abu Jinapor said the 2026 budget offers “good numbers on paper” but fails to address the everyday challenges of traders, farmers, businesses and unemployed youth.
He urged the Finance Minister and the Bank of Ghana to inject liquidity, support productive sectors, and prioritise job creation rather than committing billions to military aircraft. He warned that the economy is showing “clear signs of stress” and called for decisive action to restore confidence.
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