The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Walewale has raised concerns over the allocation of GH¢11.3 billion to the Presidency of John Dramani Mahama for 2025, a significant increase from the GH¢8.5 billion allocated in 2024 under President Akufo-Addo regime.
This move has sparked debate about the government’s priorities and its claim of running a lean administration.
According to the 2025 budget, the government has allocated a substantial amount to the Presidency, which has been met with skepticism by the NPP.
In a series of posts on social media, NPP members questioned the need for such a significant increase in allocation, especially when compared to the previous year’s budget.
This development has led to concerns about the government’s commitment to running a lean administration, as promised.
The NPP’s concerns are not unfounded, given the government’s previous allocation of GH¢8.5 billion to the Presidency in 2024.
The significant increase in allocation for 2025 has raised eyebrows, with many questioning the justification for such a substantial increase.
According to Mahama Tiah Abdul-Kabiru, NPP Member of Parliament for Walewale, “I raised issues, following information I intercepted, with some GH¢49 billion. I noted that this amount was smuggled into the budget as claims on the government when the same cannot be found in the GIFMIS.”
Abdul-Kabiru cautioned against this, warning that it could lead to a scandal similar to the Woyome saga.
The MP also expressed concern over the government’s allocation of funds, stating that the same lean government has allocated GH¢11.3 billion to the Presidency while abolishing four taxes and introducing four new tax burdens on the Ghanaian people.
“On taxes, the government has abolished 4 taxes but introduced 4 tax burdens on the Ghanaian people,” Dr Abdul-Kabiru said.
The NPP’s concerns come amidst a backdrop of controversy surrounding the government’s handling of finances.
-BY Daniel Bampoe
