Barring any changes, Ghana’s Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, will present the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on Wednesday, November 13, sources close to the Finance Ministry have confirmed.
The proposed date, which awaits formal approval by Parliament, will mark the first full-year budget of the Mahama administration since its return to power in 2025.
It is expected to be the government’s most consequential fiscal policy presentation yet, following nearly nine months of navigating a challenging global and domestic economic environment.
Economic analysts note that the 2025 Budget, delivered shortly after the administration took office, largely operated within the fiscal framework inherited from the previous government. The forthcoming 2026 Budget, however, is anticipated to outline a major policy shift, reflecting the administration’s own economic priorities and development agenda.
Under the Public Financial Management Act, the Finance Minister, acting on behalf of the President, is required to present the national budget to Parliament no later than November 15 each year.
Stakeholder Engagements and Consultations
The Finance Ministry has concluded several rounds of stakeholder engagements, including discussions with industry leaders, civil society organisations, and development partners.
According to ministry sources, these consultations were instrumental in shaping the policy measures and expenditure priorities that will define the 2026 fiscal blueprint.
Focus on Jobs and Growth
Dr. Forson has previously indicated that the 2026 Budget will focus on job creation and economic growth, with targeted investments in sectors that drive productivity, innovation, and youth employment.
Insiders suggest the document will also unveil a comprehensive tax reform agenda aimed at broadening the revenue base while reducing the tax burden on households and businesses.
The Finance Minister is expected to review several levies—including the COVID-19 levy—as part of efforts to support business recovery and boost consumer confidence.
Preparing for a Post-IMF Economy
With Ghana set to exit its IMF programme in May 2026, the upcoming budget will be closely watched for signals on the government’s post-programme economic strategy.
Economists and market watchers will look for clear policy directions on how the administration intends to sustain fiscal discipline while stimulating growth and maintaining macroeconomic stability.
Managing the Deficit and Expenditure
A central issue will be how Dr. Forson plans to balance fiscal consolidation with the need to fund critical infrastructure and social programmes amid rising debt service costs.
As anticipation builds, businesses, investors, and development partners are keenly watching what could become the defining economic policy statement of the Mahama administration’s second year in office.
credit: CNR
