Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson on Thursday, November 13, presented the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament, marking what he described as a decisive step in Ghana’s journey from recovery to transformation.
Presenting the statement on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, the Minister said the Budget represented “the second under the Reset Agenda,” symbolizing a renewed national commitment to sustainable growth and inclusive prosperity.
“On the authority of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, and in accordance with Articles 179 of the 1992 Constitution and Section 21 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), I have the honour and privilege to present to this august House the Budget Statement and Economic Policy of Government for the 2026 Financial Year.”
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson
He further moved for parliamentary approval of the budget and laid before the House statutory reports including the 2025 Annual Report on the Petroleum Funds and the 2025 Report on the Collection and Utilisation of the African Union Import Levy.
The Minister also announced a number of legislative proposals and policy instruments for Parliament’s consideration, including “the Value for Money Bill, the Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill, and amendments to the Value Added Tax Act, the GETFund Act, and the National Health Insurance Act.”
He also sought approval for a Revised Investment Policy of the Ghana Petroleum Funds and a new AI-powered trade data analytics system to enhance customs revenue mobilisation.
Resetting the Economy for Growth and Transformation
Dr. Forson described the 2026 Budget as a defining milestone in Ghana’s economic recovery, guided by the theme “Resetting for Growth, Jobs, and Economic Transformation.”
“When this administration took office, we met an economy in distress, weighed down by debt, weakened by mismanagement, and stripped of confidence.
“The 2025 Budget was our first act of courage, a declaration that Ghana would rise again through discipline, reform, and purposeful leadership.”
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson
The Finance Minister said the government’s focus has shifted from emergency recovery to long-term transformation, stressing that Ghana’s economy was now “breathing again stronger, steadier, and full of promise.”
He said, “This is not just a recovery; it is a reset. It is the story of a nation that refused to stay down,” adding that the progress achieved under President Mahama was the result of fiscal discipline, reform, and renewed confidence in public institutions.
“Never Again to Fiscal Recklessness”
Dr. Forson reaffirmed the Mahama administration’s commitment to prudent financial management, describing fiscal discipline as the backbone of national progress.
“We have learned a powerful truth: fiscal discipline is the backbone of national progress. There is no shortcut to responsible economic management.
“Never again must we allow recklessness, waste, and indiscipline to define how we handle the people’s money.”
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson
According to him, the government’s financial reforms had restored macroeconomic stability, reduced inflation, and strengthened the cedi. “We have restored fiscal discipline, brought inflation under control, stabilised the cedi, and rekindled investor confidence,” he stated.
The Minister emphasized that under President Mahama’s leadership, the integrity of public finances would remain “sacred,” pledging continued vigilance against financial mismanagement.
Collaboration with Labour and Employers
Acknowledging the contributions of Ghanaian workers and employers to the nation’s progress, Dr. Forson extended government’s gratitude to Organised Labour and the Employers Association for their cooperation in stabilising industrial relations.
“Together with Government, we have successfully agreed on the National Minimum Wage and Base Pay for 2026, ahead of this Budget, reflecting our shared vision of fairness, stability, and productivity.”
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson
He added that the National Tripartite Committee would evolve beyond wage negotiations to serve as a permanent platform for broader economic dialogue between Government, Labour, and Employers.
“It will help shape policies that create jobs, sustain growth, and deliver a more prosperous future for every Ghanaian.”
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson
Strategic Priorities for 2026 and Beyond
Dr. Forson said the 2026 Budget marked a “decisive shift” in national priorities from recovery to transformation, and from stability to jobs. The government, he said, would focus on three key strategic priorities: “macroeconomic consolidation, accelerated job creation, and social sector strengthening.”
“Over the next year and beyond, Government will focus on three strategic priorities to reset for growth, jobs, and transformation.”
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson
He explained that the first goal would be consolidating macroeconomic stability through sustained fiscal discipline, stronger revenue mobilisation, and responsible debt management. Inflation, he said, would remain on a downward trajectory while the cedi’s stability would continue to be prioritized.
The second goal centers on accelerating economic transformation and job creation through bold investments in energy, infrastructure, commercial agriculture, aquaculture, and agribusiness.
Dr. Forson said transformative initiatives such as the 24-Hour Economy and the Big Push Infrastructure Agenda would be expanded to generate sustainable employment opportunities across all 16 regions.
The third priority involves strengthening security and social sectors to ensure inclusive growth. The Minister said government would modernise education, improve healthcare access, and equip security forces to respond to emerging threats.
In addition, new investments would extend electricity, clean water, and sanitation to underserved communities while protecting the environment for future generations.
Ghana’s Economic Vision
Dr. Forson articulated a clear vision for the nation’s long-term development.
“Our vision is clear: a Ghana that produces more than it consumes; a Ghana that exports value-added goods, not just raw materials; a Ghana where jobs are decent, incomes are rising, and opportunity is shared by all.”
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson
He added that the 2026 Budget was designed to turn “stability into opportunity, and opportunity into prosperity,” building on the foundations laid since 2025.
According to the Minister, the government’s overarching objective is to create an economy powered by discipline, driven by innovation, and anchored on shared prosperity.
Renewed Confidence and National Optimism
Closing his presentation, Dr. Forson declared that confidence was returning to Ghana’s economy.
“The Black Star is rising once more. Ghana is back, strong, stable, and full of hope. And yes, our Black Stars are heading to the World Cup.”
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson
He added that the 2026 Budget reflects renewed optimism and a determination to transform Ghana’s recovery into lasting growth.
“This Budget is about building on the foundation we have laid, turning stability into opportunity, and opportunity into prosperity.”
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson
The Minister will in the coming days outline specific fiscal measures, expenditure priorities, and macroeconomic targets for the 2026 financial year when debate on the Budget begins in Parliament.
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