Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has emphasised that his priority is to serve the masses and not to seek popularity among ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).

Ato Forson made these statements while explaining that his decision to cap non-essential spending, such as foreign travel, workshops, and luxury procurements, will inevitably make him unpopular among his colleagues.

“If, as a finance minister, you are too popular, then there’s something wrong with it. Too popular within the group that you are talking about, then you are failing,” he stated on Joy News, on November 13, 2025.

2026 Budget: 'Government will complete 10 Agenda 111 hospitals' - Ato Forson

According to him, the goal is to redirect resources towards critical public services, including education, healthcare, and social protection.

“I want to be popular with the people of Ghana. Whatever I have to do to serve their needs and be able to save, to pay for school feeding, to pay for free SHS, to be able to put nurses in hospitals, to build hospitals, to give maternal car. Instead of somebody travelling, I will cut that expenditure and give it to someone who needs dialysis,” he indicated.

Dr Forson added that some government programmes could be conducted remotely to reduce waste without affecting essential services, questioning the necessity of frequent travel and excessive government vehicle use.

FULL TEXT: Finance Minister presents 2026 Budget statement

He also emphasised that the 2026 Budget has the full backing of President John Mahama, emphasising that it reflects the President’s priorities.

“The President read this budget cover to cover… This is his document, not my document. I read on his behalf… to Parliament and the people of Ghana,” he said.

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