Deputy Finance Minister Alex Ampaabeng condemns bloated budget during election year

Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr. Alex Ampaabeng

Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr. Alex Ampaabeng, has condemned the recurring practice of budget bloating during election years in Ghana, labeling it as insensitive to the nation’s fragile economy.

He criticized previous governments, particularly under the NDC, for engaging in such practice, which he said has had long-term negative effects on the country’s financial stability.

Dr. Ampaabeng made these remarks at a regional town hall forum in the Eastern Region on September 3, 2024, during an exhibition showcasing the governing NPP's regional achievements at the Center for Culture in Koforidua.

He emphasized the importance of party discipline and reiterated a zero-tolerance policy for financially irresponsible activities, which he described as economic sabotage.

He further stressed that the current government is committed to repositioning and stabilizing the party, with ongoing efforts in economic healing and reconciliation already yielding positive results to improve the well-being of Ghanaians.

The forum and exhibition underscored the NPP's commitment to unity and loyalty, values that will be rewarded in the upcoming 2024 elections.

Dr. Ampaabeng also assured that all party organs are firmly supporting the NPP's presidential candidate, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and pledged that the government will avoid overburdening the nation's finances during this election year.

He emphasized the importance of good governance, transparency, and accountability, and highlighted the government's partnership with regional and national party structures to achieve these goals.

The meeting was attended by prominent figures, including the Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. Kwame Acheampong, Information Minister Hon. Fatimatu Abubakar, Presidential Advisor on Health Dr. Anthony Nsiah-Asare, as well as MCEs, district chief executives, and staff from across the region.

Dr. Ampaabeng, currently the Deputy Minister in charge of Revenue at the Ministry of Finance, has a strong background in fiscal policy and economic governance. Before his current role, he was a Senior Economic Analyst at the Natural Resources Governance Institute and previously served as Fiscal Policy Lead at Oxfam GB in Ghana, where he played a key role in advocating for fiscal justice and economic accountability.