Member of Parliament for Savelugu, Hajia Fatahiya Abdul Aziz
The Member of Parliament for Savelugu, Hajia Fatahiya Abdul Aziz, has raised strong concerns over what she describes as the persistent and troubling underfunding of Ghana’s social protection programmes, warning that the 2026 Budget and Economic Policy fails to safeguard the country’s most vulnerable citizens.
Debating the principles of the 2026 Budget on Thursday, November 20, 2025, the Savelugu legislator criticised the government for what she called a “profound disconnect between policy commitments and actual funding,” arguing that critical welfare interventions continue to be deprioritised at a time when economic hardships are deepening.
According to the MP, allocations to social protection programmes—including LEAP, the Ghana School Feeding Programme, and related transfers—amount to GH¢3.46 billion, representing only 0.22 percent of GDP, far below international benchmarks for developing countries.
“This is not simply a budgetary shortfall; it is a reflection of misplaced priorities,” she said.
“At a time when poverty and vulnerability are worsening across communities, especially among women, children, and persons with disabilities, this budget fails to deliver meaningful protection.”
She noted that the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection responsible for most of the country’s welfare interventions—remains severely under-resourced, receiving only 1.1 percent of total government expenditure for 2026.
Capital expenditure for the Ministry stands at GH¢11.6 million, just 0.36 percent of its allocation, a situation she warned would hinder the expansion and upgrading of welfare offices, digital systems, shelters, and rescue centres.
Abdul Aziz also expressed alarm over drastic cuts to two key protection mechanisms: the Domestic Violence Fund and the Child Trafficking Fund. Each receives only GH¢1 million in the 2026 Budget, down from GH¢2.7 million and GH¢2.1 million respectively in 2024.
“These cuts are not only unjustified but dangerous,” she stressed.
“Such minimal allocations cannot support shelters, psychosocial services, rescue operations, or rehabilitation for survivors of violence and trafficking. At a time when these cases are rising, our budget must respond—not retreat.”
She further criticised the absence of specific budget lines for programmes such as the Sanitary Pad Initiative and Women in Trade, arguing that without clear allocations, Parliament cannot track funds or demand accountability from implementing agencies.
“A promise without a price tag is merely a public relations exercise,” she said.
The MP also highlighted what she termed “new neglects” in the 2026 Budget, citing the lack of gender-responsive targeting in major flagship initiatives such as the 24-Hour Economy and infrastructure programmes.
She argued that failing to intentionally include women risks widening the existing economic gap.
For rural women farmers, especially in areas like Savelugu, she noted that the budget provides little support in the areas of climate-resilient inputs, financial inclusion, and livelihoods programmes.
Abdul Aziz concluded with a call for the government to reprioritise its spending.
“A budget is the clearest expression of a government’s priorities,” she said.
“Ghanaians, particularly the vulnerable, cannot thrive on promises. They require actual, targeted investments and accountable implementation to build resilience and improve well-being.”
Parliament continues to debate the 2026 Budget and Economic Policy, with social protection emerging as one of the most critical concerns raised by lawmakers.
