MP Dr. Nyarku Rejects “Kwashiorkor” Label, Defends 2026 Budget as “Obiara Bedidi”
In a forceful defence of the 2026 national budget, Member of Parliament Dr. Nyarku has dismissed criticism from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), rejecting what he calls their derogatory “Kwashiorkor” label and instead calling the Budget “Obiara Bedidi” or “something for everyone.”
Dr. Nyarku attributed the state’s economic struggles to the “debilitating decline of the cedi, spiralling inflation,” and what he says was the previous administration’s failure to fulfil key campaign pledges, including their Agenda 111 infrastructure plan.
He argued that the Budget is not lavish or reckless, but carefully structured to support ordinary Ghanaians. The MP emphasized that the fiscal measures proposed would stabilize macroeconomic conditions while promoting inclusive growth, a “reset” for the country, not just austerity.
Nyarku also addressed the NPP’s harsh critique, where they likened the budget to “kwashiorkor” a severe form of malnutrition, suggesting it leaves Ghana starved of meaningful economic opportunity. He called that characterization unfair and misleading, saying it ignores the real challenges and trade-offs facing the current government.
Meanwhile, the NPP’s Minority in Parliament has advanced its own critique. Led by Dr. Amin Adam, they describe the 2026 Budget as “growthless, jobless, and minimalist,” calling it short on substance and long on cosmetic rhetoric.
The opposition has also questioned the realism of the government’s revenue projections and expressed skepticism over whether signalling fiscal consolidation without strong revenue reforms can deliver sustained economic transformation.
In response, Nyarku urged constructive engagement from all sides, insisting that the Budget is neither a political stunt nor a distraction, but a serious roadmap to steer Ghana through its economic headwinds.
