Deputy Spokesperson to former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Kofi Tonto, has criticised the 2026 Budget, claiming it primarily benefits National Democratic Congress (NDC) loyalists and party supporters rather than ordinary Ghanaians.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Tonto argued that several allocations in the budget indicate an agenda to “reward foot soldiers.”
He alleged that salaries for presidential staffers have increased by 67%, totaling GH¢178 million, suggesting that new staff appointments are imminent. He also noted that Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), who previously earned GH¢5,400, will now receive GH¢35,000 each.
“At the same time, they are saying nurses will not be recruited for 2026,” he lamented.
Tonto further criticised civil society actors, journalists, and celebrities who previously claimed to advocate for the national interest, alleging many are now being rewarded with government appointments.
He also accused the Finance Ministry of deliberately separating the Office of National Security from the broader National Security Machinery and allocating GH¢2.4 billion for compensation alone.
“How many people are in that department? That means they are going to employ NDC members,” he claimed. “The President has money to employ NDC members and people who campaigned for him, yet nurses are left to their fate. The budget is only going to put money in the hands of NDC foot soldiers. They have found money for what matters to them, but nurses and teachers need them,” he added.
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