Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam is set to present the 2024 Mid-Year Budget Review to Parliament.

This presentation, his first since assuming office in February 2024, is conducted under Section 28 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921). The review will not only update the legislative body on the implementation of the 2024 Budget but will also provide revised financial plans and an updated economic outlook for Ghana.

In a statement issued from the Ministry of Finance highlighted that the review will offer a comprehensive update on the economic and fiscal performance of the first half of the year. Key areas of focus include growth measures, revenue and expenditure performance, financing, and debt sustainability.

The review will provide crucial insights into how well the country has managed its financial resources and implemented its budgetary plans so far.

A particularly Important aspect of this review is the update on the implementation of the ongoing US$3 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan-supported Post Covid-19 Programme for Economic Growth (PC-PEG).

This homegrown policy is pivotal for restoring macroeconomic stability, ensuring debt sustainability, and promoting inclusive growth in the post-pandemic era. The PC-PEG represents Ghana’s strategic efforts to rebuild its economy, focusing on stability and inclusive growth after the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ministry has indicated that the review will highlight the budget implementation strategy for the remainder of the year. This includes possible revisions to proposed policies with a particular focus on the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Given the vital role that SMEs play in the Ghanaian economy, fostering their growth is essential for broader economic recovery and development. By creating a conducive environment for SMEs to thrive, the government aims to bolster job creation and economic diversification.

Furthermore, the review will address the status of key government programmes, revenue measures, expenditure controls, and financing adjustments based on the performance of the first half of the year. These insights will be critical for assessing the effectiveness of the government’s financial management strategies and making necessary adjustments to stay on track with fiscal targets.

No New Taxes

Deputy Finance Minister Dr. Alex Ampaabeng has already indicated that there will be no supplementary budget and no new taxes introduced in this mid-year budget review. This approach is aimed at supporting the business community by maintaining a stable and predictable fiscal environment.

By avoiding additional taxes, the government seeks to provide the business sector with the necessary space to operate and grow, which is crucial for overall economic stability and growth.

The decision to refrain from introducing new taxes and supplementary budgets reflects a strategic effort to support economic recovery. It signals the government’s commitment to creating a favorable business climate, which is essential for attracting investment, fostering innovation, and driving economic growth.

The stability offered by such fiscal policies is particularly important in the context of global economic uncertainties and the ongoing challenges posed by the post-pandemic recovery phase.

As Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam prepares to deliver his first budget review as Finance Minister, all eyes will be on the strategies and measures outlined to steer the nation through the complex economic situation the country finds itself.

The mid-year budget review is not just a procedural update; it is a critical moment for reassessing and recalibrating the country’s economic policies to ensure sustainable growth and stability.

The outcomes of this review will have significant implications for Ghana’s economic trajectory in the coming months and beyond, shaping the financial and developmental prospects of the nation as the country heads for elections.