ACCRA, Greater Accra Region* — Walewale MP Hon. Dr. Kabiru says the government’s 2026 budget targets are “unrealistic,” citing a GH¢3 billion revenue shortfall in Q1 and warning that key promises on the Big Push, Women’s Development Bank, and assembly member allowances will not materialize.
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‎Speaking in an interview, Dr. Kabiru said his reservations during the budget presentation have been confirmed by the Ministry of Finance’s own data. He argued the revenue projections were flawed from the start because government was under an IMF program with limited room for new revenue measures, while scrapping the COVID-19 levy removed about GH¢3 billion annually from the budget.
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‎“The twenty-six budget as was presented by the finance minister Cassio gave us an indication of what they wanted to do. I had my reservation then… their revenue projections were unrealistic,” he stated. He added that cedi appreciation would further cut nominal revenue, a factor he said government ignored in planning.
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‎According to the MP, the revenue underperformance is already stalling flagship programs. He said half a year into 2026, “they have not even moved a block” on any of the Agenda 111 projects government promised to complete, and the 1-million scooter program, Women’s Development Bank, and Accra-Pokuase Expressway all depend on revenue that isn’t coming in. Assembly members are also yet to get promised allowances after only 9 months were paid last year.
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‎Dr. Kabiru said the Finance Minister’s move to base his office at the port has not improved collections. With revenue failing, he concluded that the “Big Push is failing” and other major spending commitments will become a “mirage.”