Dr. Gideon Boako, Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament’s Finance Committee and MP for Tano North, has criticized President John Mahama’s administration for excessive government spending, despite previously condemning the former government for the same issue.
He accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC), particularly Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, of failing to align their promises of lean governance with concrete actions.
Dr. Boako pointed out that while the NDC had strongly opposed former President Akufo-Addo’s large government and substantial allocations to the Office of the President, they are now guilty of similar practices.
“The NDC, particularly Ato Forson, made a lot of noise about the size of Akufo-Addo’s government and the budget that was allocated to the Office of the President,” he stated.
While acknowledging the reduction in the number of ministers as a commendable move, he expected a corresponding decrease in overall government expenditure, especially in line with the NDC’s promises to cut costs and reduce taxes.
However, Dr. Boako pointed out what he described as a contradiction in the government’s budgetary allocations.
“In 2024, Akufo-Addo spent 250 billion cedis as total appropriation. In 2025, Mahama is seeking to spend 290 billion,” he revealed.
He argued that this sharp increase in spending raises concerns about the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline and economic efficiency.
The Tano North MP further questioned how the Mahama administration intends to balance its revenue and expenditure, given its pledge to cut spending while managing revenue shortfalls.
“Ato Forson said they will stop the bleeding, but that is not even the case,” he remarked.
According to Dr. Boako, Appendix 4a in the budget statement on page 133 allocates GH¢2.7 billion to be spent on the Office of Government Machinery in 2025 for compensation. Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo used GH¢327 million in 2024 for the same office for compensation.
Dr. Boako also pointed out that the budget allocations of GH¢78 million and GH¢70 million, respectively, for the government communications and research department at the Office of the President far exceed the budgetary allocations for almost five ministries under President Akufo-Addo. He questioned where the expenditure cuts are.
Dr. Boako urged Ghanaians to critically examine the government’s financial management and demand accountability to ensure that national resources are used prudently.
He made these remarks on Accra-based Metro TV’s Good Evening Ghana on Tuesday, March 11.
