Ayariga Demands Ofori-Atta’s Return to Answer Ghana
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has called for former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to return to Ghana to account for what he describes as the country’s mounting debt burden and alleged economic mismanagement during the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.
Speaking during the parliamentary debate on the 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review on Thursday, Mr Ayariga accused the former Finance Minister of borrowing excessively and leaving behind an economy weighed down by debt before relocating to the United States.
He argued that Mr Ofori-Atta owes Ghanaians an explanation for the country’s fiscal challenges, insisting that he should return to answer questions over decisions taken during his tenure at the Finance Ministry.
According to the Majority Leader, the previous administration’s borrowing practices placed a significant burden on the economy, leaving ordinary citizens to bear the consequences while efforts are now being made to restore fiscal stability.
Mr Ayariga contrasted the record of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta with that of the current Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, whom he praised for steering the economy without introducing what he described as burdensome taxes or resorting to excessive borrowing.
He noted that while the previous administration maintained that taxes such as the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) were necessary to sustain the economy, the current government has abolished those taxes while continuing to manage the country’s finances effectively.
The Majority Leader said the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review demonstrates government’s commitment to prudent fiscal management, citing efforts to stabilise the economy, improve revenue mobilisation and reduce pressure on households.
He further argued that the government’s expenditure priorities have shifted towards investments in critical infrastructure and public services rather than projects that, in his view, offered little direct economic benefit.
Mr Ayariga highlighted ongoing investments in educational infrastructure, rehabilitation of schools, road construction and bridge projects across the country as evidence of what he described as a renewed focus on development.
Expressing confidence in the economic direction under the current administration, he commended Dr Forson for his stewardship and maintained that the government’s policies are helping to restore confidence in the economy while easing the financial burden on Ghanaians.
His remarks formed part of Parliament’s debate on the 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review, where lawmakers assessed the government’s economic performance and fiscal outlook for the remainder of the year.
Author: Joyce Owusu
