Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, has questioned the relevance of the finance minister’s newly announced policy to accelerate Ghana’s international reserve accumulation, insisting that Ghanaians are more concerned about jobs than macroeconomic projections.
The comments come after Dr Cassiel Ato Forson addressed Parliament on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, revealing the government’s plan to increase the country’s foreign reserves to cover 15 months of imports by the end of 2028.
Ghana’s gold reserves hit record 37.06 tonnes – Bank of Ghana
Dr Ato Forson explained that the accelerated reserve accumulation policy aims to protect Ghana’s macroeconomic stability and support the long-term structural transformation of the economy.
But for Afenyo-Markin, such discussions are out of touch with the everyday realities of ordinary Ghanaians.
Speaking on the Foor of Parliament, he dismissed the focus on what he called economic theorising.
“The finance minister came here to talk to us about some 15-month import cover; we are not interested in his economic theories,” he said.
Finance Minister unveils national policy designed to build external reserves
The Minority Leader stressed that Ghanaians are looking for tangible updates on employment, particularly regarding the government’s “one job, three shifts” promise.
“The finance minister must know that this House is not interested in his new theories. The people of Ghana, starting from the youth, want to know, you promised them one job, three shifts. I expect you as a finance minister to come to this House to address efforts you are making to implement that. It has been one year; give us data on the number of people you have been able to employ under this promise,” he stated.
He also criticised the timing of the policy announcement, arguing that the government should focus on urgent issues affecting everyday lives.
“You come to this House to tell us about a 15-month import cover when your people have no jobs,” he added.
NA/AM
Importer behind GH¢85 million tax evasion scheme identified
