Government will not spend recklessly for political convenience – Ato Forson

“It is President Akufo-Addo and his government that took Ghana to the IMF and agreed to this conditionality, unless they want me and President Mahama, because it’s President Mahama’s budget, to derail the IMF programme, so that we spend as if there’s no tomorrow, crash the economy again, and go back to economic crisis with a haircut,” Dr Forson said.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express shortly after presenting the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review to Parliament on Thursday, July 23, 2026, Dr Forson said the government remains committed to meeting the conditions of Ghana’s International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme to secure a successful exit.

Responding to suggestions by host Evans Mensah that the government’s improved fiscal performance was largely due to reduced spending, Dr Forson rejected the claim, arguing that increased expenditure at this stage would undermine Ghana’s IMF programme.