Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has questioned the government’s ability to manage Ghana’s economy, citing what he described as an error in the portrait used on the new GH¢50 note.
Speaking to the media after the presentation of the 2027 Budget Statement by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Mr. Afenyo-Markin criticized the government’s decision to replace the Big Six on Ghana’s currency, arguing that the move was driven by haste and hostility.
According to him, the government was more interested in removing the images of the Big Six from the country’s currency than exercising the necessary diligence in the process.
“They were in haste to erase the Big Six from our currency and our history. Out of that haste and hate, we saw them outdooring a new cedi note bearing the name of Theodosia Okoh,” he said.
He alleged that the portrait used on the new GH¢50 note does not depict Theodosia Okoh, despite the note bearing her name.
The Minority Leader questioned how a government that could not ensure the correct portrait was used on the national currency could be trusted to manage the country’s economy.
“So the question is, a whole government machinery that cannot be diligent enough to get the right picture to put on our currency, how can we trust them with our economy?” he asked.
He further questioned whether the government could deliver on its economic promises and improve the financial circumstances of Ghanaians.
“Can we trust them to put money in our pocket?” he inquired.
His comments come as the government outlines an ambitious economic programme under the 2027 Budget, including a proposed US$10 billion investment initiative aimed at accelerating economic transformation, expanding local manufacturing, and creating jobs.
Presenting the budget, Dr. Forson announced the New Economy, New Ghana: Jobs and Prosperity programme, a four-year initiative scheduled to run from 2027 to 2030.
The programme is expected to channel resources into eight priority areas: commercial agriculture; critical minerals value addition; textiles and garments; pharmaceuticals and biomanufacturing; tourism, culture, and creative arts; technology; energy infrastructure; and macroeconomic stability and affordable finance.
The Finance Minister said the initiative was intended to reduce Ghana’s dependence on raw material exports, particularly gold, cocoa, and oil, by promoting domestic processing and retaining more economic value within the country.
