The Member of Parliament for Ofoase/Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has underscored the need for truthfulness in the presentation of Ghana’s economic record, urging Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson to remain transparent when delivering the 2025 budget statement.
Speaking in an interview on Joy News, the former Information Minister emphasized that the country’s economic data should not be manipulated for political advantage.
“The economic record of this country is not in the mouth of any politician,” he stated, stressing the importance of consistency and accuracy in economic reporting.
Oppong Nkrumah referenced key institutions such as the Ghana Statistical Service and the Bank of Ghana, noting that these agencies regularly publish economic data that should serve as the foundation for any discussions about the state of the economy.
“I understand that this morning, they are working on the latest GDP numbers. The Bank of Ghana and other state institutions continually release Ghana’s economic data, which should form the basis of any economic discussion,” he explained.
With the Finance Minister set to present the 2025 budget on Tuesday, March 11, Oppong Nkrumah cautioned against any attempts to distort economic figures to create an overly optimistic narrative.
“I think the Finance Minister should desist from any invitations from political forces to twist the numbers to paint a more favourable story of the Ghanaian economy than it really is,” he warned.
He further noted that misrepresenting economic data could have serious consequences, including scaring away investors and damaging the country’s financial credibility.
“If he does that, he will not be true to the economic record of the country,” he added.
Building on Economic Gains
Oppong Nkrumah concluded by emphasizing the need for honest economic reporting, stating that Ghana must acknowledge its real economic position and build upon its successes.
“What we need to do is to be true to the economy and to build on the successes so far,” he said.