Hot!
The 2024 budget is ‘absolutely useless’ – Ato Forson

- /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20b3b14b-5578-499b-a1e6-8f50e1bbcaa7.jpeg&description=The 2024 budget is ‘absolutely useless’ – Ato Forson', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20b3b14b-5578-499b-a1e6-8f50e1bbcaa7.jpeg&description=The 2024 budget is ‘absolutely useless’ – Ato Forson', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
The Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has criticised the incumbent government for presenting what he describes as an “absolutely useless” budget for the 2024 financial year.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Monday, Dr Forson noted that the ‘Nkunim’ [Victory] budget fails to address the pressing issues facing Ghanaians presently.
During the presentation of the 2024 Budget statement and economic policy in Parliament on Wednesday, November 15, Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta was optimistic that the nation is gradually overcoming its economic challenges.
He said the government has established a robust foundation for the future prosperity of the Ghanaian economy.
However, Dr Forson maintains that the budget is empty and does not provide solutions to the economic crisis the populace is being forced to undergo.
“The 2024 budget is absolutely useless. It solves nothing. It is empty. What are the issues confronting Ghana today? High unemployment, high poverty rate, businesses collapsing, high lending rate, monetary policy hitting the roof, economic growth trying to do under 2 percent, high inflation.
“These are the issues confronting the people of Ghana and the budget must confront these issues,” he told the host, Evans Mensah.
Dr Forson further introduced the concept of “materiality,” emphasising the importance of assessing the strength and significance of the proposed measures in the budget to address specific challenges.
In his view, the budget appeared immaterial, lacking the necessary substance to effectively tackle the burdens faced by the citizens of Ghana.
One major point of contention for Dr Forson was the imposition of new taxes amounting to GH₵11 billion.
Given the current economic circumstances, he questioned the rationale behind burdening individuals and citizens with such a substantial financial demand.
Dr Forson emphasized the importance of a budget that prioritizes the well-being of the people and effectively addresses the critical issues confronting the nation.
The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta during his presentation of the 2024 budget statement in Parliament last week Wednesday announced some measures to cushion Ghanaians.
Some reliefs prioritized by the government include the extension of the zero rates of VAT on locally manufactured African prints, removal of taxes on locally produced sanitary pads and locally assembled vehicles, as well as waivers on import duties for electric vehicles and agricultural machinery.
To address environmental concerns, Mr Ofori-Atta also announced the government’s plan to expand the Environmental Excise Duty to cover plastic packaging, industrial emissions, and vehicle emissions.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
Hot!
UGMC disputes Michael Blackson’s claims over late mother’s treatment

The University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) has disputed claims made on social media by comedian Michael Blackson concerning the treatment given to his late mother, saying a review found that the allegations did not accurately reflect what happened during her stay at the hospital.
In a statement issued in Accra on August 5, 2026, the management of UGMC expressed condolences to Mr. Blackson and his family over the death of his 83-year-old mother, who died at the facility on July 16, 2026.
The hospital said it had taken the concerns raised by Mr. Blackson seriously and conducted a thorough review in line with its clinical and administrative procedures.
According to the statement, the facts presented by Mr. Blackson on social media contained “numerous inaccuracies” and did not accurately reflect the medical care provided to his mother.
UGMC explained that she was referred to the facility from another hospital and received treatment there from May 27 to July 16, 2026, a period of about eight weeks.
The hospital stated that it would not release details of her diagnosis, treatment, medical records or other aspects of her care because it had a duty to protect patient confidentiality, even after death.
It said the decision was intended to respect the dignity of the deceased and the privacy of her family.
UGMC further stated that all clinical decisions at the facility are made by qualified healthcare professionals based on medical judgment, established standards of care and the best interests of the patient.
The statement added that such decisions are made in consultation with authorised family representatives where necessary and that billing and financial procedures are governed by institutional policies and are separate from clinical decision-making.
The hospital noted that it values feedback from patients and their families and considers both positive and negative comments important for improving the quality of care.
Mr. Blackson had earlier used social media to criticise the care his mother received at UGMC, prompting the hospital’s response.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Hot!
NPP suspends Greater Accra campaigns ahead of “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has directed all aspirants campaigning in the Greater Accra Region to suspend their campaign activities on August 5 and 6 and instead mobilise supporters for the party’s planned “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration.
The directive was issued by the party’s National Steering Committee in a statement signed by the NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the decision forms part of efforts to ensure a strong turnout for the demonstration, which is scheduled for Thursday, August 6, 2026.
The party said the protest would begin at 5:00 a.m., with participants expected to gather at the Supreme Court in Accra.
It further directed Regional, Constituency and Polling Station Executives in Greater Accra to work closely to mobilise members and supporters for the event.
“The National Steering Committee is calling on all aspirants currently campaigning across the Greater Accra Region to temporarily suspend their campaign activities on the 5th and 6th of August and join in mobilising support for the upcoming demonstration,” the statement noted.
The NPP appealed to party members and supporters to remain peaceful, disciplined and orderly throughout the protest.
The demonstration forms part of the party’s response to concerns it has raised over issues relating to Ghana’s democratic governance and the justice system.
The NPP leadership expressed confidence that party members would cooperate fully to ensure a successful and peaceful event.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News1 week agoProf. Kwabena Twerefou holds inaugural lecture; calls for better stewardship of Ghana’s natural resources
News1 week agoAhanta Heritage Month: Diplomats, youth tour forts, Cape Three Points and historic sites
News1 week agoUniversity of Ghana Students begin 3-Day “Campus to Countries” tour of Togo and Benin




