The opposition party in Parliament has vehemently condemned the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government’s 2025 budget, particularly criticizing the job creation commitments, which they have branded as “sakawa jobs,” suggesting that these roles are either unrealistic or deceptive.
In a press briefing following Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson’s budget presentation on Tuesday, March 11, the opposition has voiced their discontent with various elements of the budget.
Their primary concern centered around the government’s assertions regarding job creation.
The opposition also highlighted what they perceived as inconsistent statements from the Finance Minister. While Dr. Forson was encouraging investments in Ghana, he simultaneously acknowledged the nation’s struggling economy.
The opposition contended that such contradictory messages could discourage potential investors, with one member questioning, “Is he scaring away investment? This is not how a country should be governed.”
Another major point of contention was the government’s ambitious US$10 billion “Big Push” initiative. Despite frequent mentions of the US$10 billion goal, only US$800 million has been earmarked in the budget for this project.
The opposition expressed skepticism about the viability of the initiative, asking, “How can they claim to spend US$10 billion when only US$800 million has been allocated?”
They further noted that even if the government were to invest US$1 billion annually, they would still fall short of the US$10 billion target by the end of their term.
The opposition underscored that the jobs being promised to Ghanaians are unrealistic, asserting, “The jobs they are proposing to Ghanaians are sakawa jobs.”
They also accused the government of failing to fulfill its commitments, particularly regarding the “Big Push.” “They are already falling short of their promises concerning the Big Push,” they declared.
