The Member of Parliament for Ofoase-Ayirebi and Ranking Member of Parliament’s Economy and Development Committee, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has challenged the government of President John Dramani Mahama to account for an estimated GH¢650 billion in public funds before introducing its proposed US$10 billion New Economy programme.
Mr Oppong Nkrumah argued that the government must demonstrate measurable results from its existing economic policies and explain how public funds allocated to its flagship programmes have been spent.
He questioned the need for a new economic framework when several initiatives announced by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2024 general elections, in his view, still require a comprehensive assessment.
Among the programmes he wants the government to account for are the 24-Hour Economy Programme, Nkoko Nkitinkiti poultry initiative, One Million Coders Programme and Women’s Development Bank.
The Ofoase-Ayirebi MP called for clear information on the number of jobs created, businesses supported, young people trained and women who have benefited from the existing initiatives.
He also demanded transparency regarding the funding allocated to these programmes and the results achieved so far.
According to Mr Oppong Nkrumah, the government should prioritise accountability and allow Parliament to scrutinise the original economic programme before committing additional public resources to the proposed New Economy initiative.
He further questioned the status of the existing economic programme in Parliament, arguing that lawmakers should have the opportunity to examine its objectives and assess implementation progress.
The opposition MP maintained that public accountability should not be treated as a political dispute between the NDC and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), but as a national responsibility to ensure the effective use of taxpayers’ money.
He urged the government to provide a detailed expenditure report, demonstrate the impact of its flagship policies and explain why another major economic programme is necessary before seeking support for additional spending.
Source: newsthemegh.com