Ntim Fordjour Slams Govt Over GH¢100M Allocation: Says Amount is “Too Small” for Assembly Members

Hon. Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, Member of Parliament for Assin South Constituency and former Deputy Education Minister, has expressed strong reservations about the GH¢100 million allocated to Assembly members as an allowance in the 2025 budget.

In an interview with Odoom Prince Linford of Nkwa FM, Fordjour argued that the amount is “very small” considering the large number of Assembly members across the country.

“How much will each Assembly member get from only GH¢100m?” Fordjour questioned, emphasizing that the meager allocation will put unnecessary pressure on Assembly members. “Their electorate will expect more development from them, but with this amount, it’s like putting a gun to their heads,” he added.

Fordjour also criticized the seed money of GH¢51.8 million allocated for the Women Bank, describing it as “very small” and incapable of even establishing a microfinance or credit union. He alleged that the seed money is merely a token gesture to support some women organizers in the NDC party.

“Politics should not be just saying something for people to clap for you, but rather something that can change the life of the people,” Fordjour emphasized. He stressed that the allocation will rather put a huge pressure on the assembly members because their electorate are going to expect more development from them.

Despite his concerns, Fordjour urged the people of Assin South to remain calm and assured them that he will work to ensure their share of the national cake. Although the budget made no mention of the Agenda 111 initiative, Fordjour vowed to operationalize the project in his constituency.

“I will make sure our own [Agenda 111 project] is operationalized,” he assured. “I urge the people of Assin South to calm down and wait for their share of the national cake.”