Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, Ranking Member on Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, has urged the government to realign its spending priorities to better address Ghana’s pressing security and social needs.
Speaking during Wednesday’s debate on the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review, presented by the Finance Minister, the Assin South MP expressed concern over what he described as chronic underfunding of critical security institutions.
“We must not downplay the growing feeling of insecurity in many parts of the country. Our budgetary decisions must reflect this reality,” Rev. Fordjour warned.
He argued that the current level of resourcing for frontline security agencies, particularly the police and military, is inadequate in the face of rising crime and regional conflict. “You cannot expect results from under-resourced police and military units. If we want peace and stability, then we must be prepared to invest accordingly,” he stated.
Rev. Fordjour cited the ongoing tensions in Bawku as a clear indication that the government needs to reconsider its national security strategy and funding allocation. He also called out the government’s handling of compensation and logistics for personnel on the ground, emphasizing that effective security operations require both morale and material support.
Beyond security, he took aim at the broader fiscal direction of the budget, noting that the economic figures presented do not align with the lived realities of ordinary Ghanaians. “We must put people first. The numbers may look stable on paper, but the lived experiences of many Ghanaians tell a different story,” he noted, drawing applause from the Minority Caucus.
The Ranking Member concluded by urging the government to prioritise social interventions that offer direct relief to vulnerable populations, arguing that economic stability must be matched with tangible support for citizens.
