Ahead of the 2026 annual budget reading in November, the Ministry of Finance has organized a stakeholder consultation to review intended policies for the various sectors of the economy.
The two-day engagement sought to solicit strategic policy inputs from the pillars of society in key sectors of the economy to ensure government policies affect the ordinary Ghanaian. The consultation also aims to ensure citizens’ participation in the national budget process.
The stakeholders invited for the consultation included representatives from banking and non-banking financial institutions, think tanks, professional bodies, trade organizations, social partners, and other organized groups. Also in attendance were civil society organizations (CSOs), faith-based organizations (FBOs), academia, and various associations.
The Deputy Minister for Finance, Mr. Thomas Nyarko Ampem hosted the program on behalf of the Minister. He announced that this meeting is part of the Ministry’s continuous effort to engage with citizens in budget preparations.
According to Mr. Ampem, while preparing for the 2025 Budget, the Ministry visited the Makola Market in March to gather firsthand feedback, direct reactions, and criticisms on government policies and their impact on the ordinary Ghanaians.
He highlighted the impact from engagements ahead of the 2025 budget, including consultations with market women, traders, industry players, and academics, is what has contributed to the economic gains the country is currently observing.
He assures all Ghanaians of government’s continuous engagement and commitment in the budget preparation process. The Ministry is confident and certain that the insights from this consultation will guide policies to achieve and promote the intended growth, equity, and resilience.
“Today’s engagement provides an avenue for the government to listen to your perspectives, your proposals, and your expectations as we shape the 2026 Budget. The insights gathered from stakeholders such as yourselves will guide us in designing policies that promote growth, equity, and resilience.”
Mr. Thomas Nyarko Ampem, Deputy Minister for Finance
Speaking to the gathering, Mr. Ampem recounted some of the policy initiatives and measures executed by the government so far and their significant impact on the Ghanaian economy. These, he said, are intentional, strategic, and targeted through outstanding leadership, discipline, sacrifice, and hard work.
The government has achieved a primary balance surplus of 1.4% of GDP, reduced the overall fiscal deficit to 1.5%, and brought public debt down significantly to 44.9% of GDP. These gains are confirmed by international bodies and ratings signifying the economy is on the right trajectory towards sustainable economic recovery, he said.
The government has made commitments such as more than doubling road infrastructure allocation, with over 60 road projects already underway. Also, the government has increased funding for healthcare, education, and support for vulnerable groups
“The recent successful staff-level agreement with the IMF under the Extended Credit Facility and the credit rating upgrade by Moody’s reaffirm international confidence in Ghana’s economic direction.”
Mr. Thomas Nyarko Ampem, Deputy Minister for Finance
According to the Deputy Minister, the government is not complacent but fully aware that these advances are foundational and not an end in themselves, propelling the economy to recovery and a shared prosperity.
Mr. Ampem inspired confidence in the Ministry and the government’s determination to maintain the momentum of the current economic recovery. He further assured that the government will continue to build the economic resilience that can withstand external and internal shocks while creating opportunities for all Ghanaians.
He reiterated that the Ministry’s “focus areas include economic stabilization and fiscal discipline, infrastructure and social development, social protection, education and youth empowerment, as well as employment creation.”
“Your inputs, comments, and feedback,” the Deputy Director insisted, will be considered and contribute to reshaping policies and interventions in the 2026 Budget.
With regards to the Ministry’s consultative gatherings ahead of budget preparation, the Ministry released a guideline instituting it in August this year, signed by the Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson (Minister).
“As part of processes towards the preparation of the 2026-2029 Budget, the Ministry of Finance will organize a Production Workshop and Budget Hearings for all covered entities as indicated in the Budget Preparation Guidelines.”
Ministry of Finance, 2026-2029 Budget Preparation Guideline
The mandate of the Ministry is certain in pursuant to Article 179(1) of the 1992 Constitution, Section 20(1) of the Constitution Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), and Regulation 20 (3) of the Public Financial Management Regulations, 2019 (L. I. 2378) the 2026-2029 Budget Preparation Guidelines.
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