Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has called on former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to return to Ghana to answer questions over the country's debt situation, accusing him of presiding over what he described as years of excessive borrowing and poor fiscal management.

Speaking during the debate on the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review in Parliament on Thursday, July 23, Mr. Ayariga argued that the former Finance Minister should be held accountable for decisions taken during the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.

He questioned Ofori-Atta's absence from the country, alleging that he left Ghana after overseeing a period of heavy borrowing that contributed to the nation's economic challenges.

According to the Majority Leader, Ghanaians deserve an explanation of how the country's finances were managed under the former administration and why the economy deteriorated during that period.

Mr. Ayariga contrasted the economic management of the previous government with that of the current administration, praising Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson for steering the economy without introducing what he described as burdensome taxes or relying on excessive borrowing.

He noted that while the previous administration argued that taxes such as the levy on mobile money transactions were necessary to sustain the economy, the current government had removed such taxes and was still maintaining fiscal stability.

The Majority Leader commended Dr. Forson for what he described as prudent economic management, saying the Finance Minister had pursued policies that have strengthened the economy while reducing the tax burden on citizens.

Mr. Ayariga also criticised the spending priorities of the previous NPP administration, arguing that the current government is directing resources towards infrastructure projects, including schools, roads and bridges, rather than initiatives such as the National Cathedral.

He maintained that the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review demonstrates the government's commitment to expanding educational facilities, rehabilitating existing schools and investing in major road infrastructure across the country.

Expressing confidence in the government's economic direction, the Majority Leader said the country's finances were on a stronger footing under the current administration and urged Parliament to commend Dr. Forson for his stewardship of the economy.