The Cape Coast South MP, George Kweku Ricketts-Hagan, has criticised government’s 2024 budget, stating that it lacks appeal and is unfit for purpose given the hardships faced by Ghanaians.

He said the budget, as presented, will not provide relief to ordinary Ghanaians burdened by current challenges.

During an interview with Citi FM on Wednesday, November 15, the former Deputy Finance Minister described the budget as empty rhetoric and expressed scepticism about the government's ability to fulfil promises made in the budget.

Mr Ricketts-Hagan also mentioned the Minority Caucus's intention to uncover alleged hidden taxes totalling GH¢11 billion in the budget, stating that they will reveal these hidden charges in the coming days.

“In terms of the contents, I don’t think there is anything to write home about. There is nothing exciting in the budget.

"It is business as usual, rhetoric, things they will do. If they haven’t been able to do it in the last seven years, I am wondering how they are going to do it in the one year, now that things are much harder," he stated.

On Wednesday, November 15, 2023, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta unveiled the 2024 budget in Parliament, bringing promising news for Ghana's economy.

In a notable turnaround, he revealed that the nation, which had faced economic challenges in recent years, was now showing signs of improvement.

Mr Ofori-Atta highlighted encouraging developments, such as a decline in inflation, signalling a positive shift in the economic landscape.

The minister expressed optimism about the modest gains made, indicating a hopeful trajectory for Ghana's financial future.

However, the lawmaker has thwarted all these claims by the Finance Minister.