Daniel Akwasi Ashiamah, Acting Executive Director of the Complementary Education Agency, says the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is impressed with Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson’s handling of the 2026 national budget, particularly his transparency and commitment control measures, which they believe will reduce budget overruns.
Speaking on Morning Starr with Naa Dedei Tettey on Friday, November 21, Ashiamah noted the rare praise from the NPP, highlighting the Minister’s approach as a break from past practices.
He said, “I am so mesmerized and happy to see NPP people praising Finance Minister Ato Forson and that is very great. It is something that they have not experienced for a long time.”
He singled out the Minister’s strict control over budgetary releases as a key improvement over previous administrations.
“Typical example is Kojo Oppong Nkrumah at the sister station saying that one thing he is happier about is the commitment control that Ato Forson is applying. And that commitment control is helping to push the big push. And even though he talks about giving out seven billion for the big push, he said even before you do that, you need to get commitment authorization.”
Ashiamah explained how the new system contrasts with past practices where regional ministers could overspend, leading to budget overruns:
“Previously the minister can give that okay, this year we are going to use seven billion on road. Before you realize, all the regional ministers this, this, and then the minister said they were giving contracts instead of, for example, seven billion we ran into 14 billion. So there’s no central control, but Ato Forson is using that.”
His remarks come after the presentation of the 2026 Budget to Parliament on Thursday, November 13, 2025. A major highlight of the budget is the removal of the Covid-19 Health Recovery Levy, which is expected to ease the tax burden on households and businesses.
Dr. Forson estimates that this measure will return GH¢3.7 billion to Ghanaians next year.
Additionally, he confirmed that the Mahama administration will complete ten of the previously abandoned Agenda 111 hospital projects in 2026.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
