Ghana’s government has committed $60 billion to its Big Push infrastructure programme, according to Mahama Ayariga, Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business. Speaking during the final debate on the 2026 Budget Statement, Ayariga described the fiscal plan as forward-looking, highlighting initiatives aimed at transforming the nation’s economy.
He revealed that the 24-Hour Economy policy document is complete and ready for parliamentary consideration, emphasizing that the budget prioritizes bold investments and reforms to accelerate growth, modernize the economy, and create opportunities for citizens.
In response, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin argued that while ambitious, the budget falls short in addressing youth unemployment and lacks clear measures to generate jobs. The debate underscored the deep divide between Majority and Minority MPs over the country’s economic direction.
Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, presenting the budget on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, fulfilled constitutional obligations under Article 179 of the 1992 Constitution and the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921). The 2026 Budget, themed “Resetting for Growth, Jobs, and Economic Transformation”, outlines key interventions in healthcare, infrastructure, fiscal discipline, cultural development, and job creation.
Key proposals include the nationwide rollout of free primary healthcare beginning in 2026, deployment of 700 medical doctors to strengthen service delivery, and private sector engagement to complete the Agenda 111 Hospitals project. The government claims fiscal discipline has been restored, inflation contained, the cedi stabilized, and investor confidence bolstered.
The plan also incorporates innovative tools like an AI-driven trade data analytics system to improve customs revenue collection, repeals the COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy, and proposes amendments to the GETFund and National Health Insurance Acts.
Infrastructure and cultural investments feature prominently, with funding allocated for rehabilitating the National Theatre in Accra and initial work underway for a second theatre in Kumasi. Policies targeting job creation and economic modernization remain central, positioning Ghana for a strategic reset in growth and opportunities for citizens.
The 2026 Budget marks Dr Forson’s second presentation as Finance Minister and sets a roadmap for comprehensive economic transformation, blending healthcare expansion, fiscal reforms, infrastructure renewal, and cultural investment.
