Government listening to citizens’ perspectives as we shape the 2026 Budget – Deputy Finance Minister

The Ministry of Finance has held a two-day stakeholder consultation as part of preparations for the 2026 Annual Budget, scheduled for presentation in November 2025.

The engagement was aimed at gathering inputs from key economic sectors and deepening citizen participation in the national budget process.

The consultations brought together representatives from banking and non-banking financial institutions, think tanks, trade organisations, professional bodies, social partners, and other organised groups.

Also in attendance were civil society organizations (CSOs), faith-based organizations (FBOs), academia, and various associations.

Addressing participants, the Deputy Minister for Finance, Mr Thomas Nyarko Ampem, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuous engagement with citizens throughout the budget process.

He referenced the Ministry’s visit to Makola Market prior to the 2025 Budget presentation as part of ongoing efforts to gather firsthand feedback on the impact of government policies.

“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,” he said.

“The insights gathered from stakeholders such as yourselves will guide us in designing policies that promote growth, equity, and resilience.”

Mr Ampem outlined key policy measures implemented by the government that have contributed to recent economic gains, including a primary balance surplus of 1.4% of GDP, a reduction in the fiscal deficit to 1.5%, and a significant drop in public debt to 44.9% of GDP.

He added that the successful staff-level agreement with the IMF under the Extended Credit Facility and the recent credit rating upgrade by Moody’s reaffirm international confidence in Ghana’s economic management.

The Deputy Minister stressed that the government remains focused on sustaining the momentum of recovery while building a resilient and inclusive economy.

“Our focus areas include economic stabilisation and fiscal discipline, infrastructure and social development, social protection, education and youth empowerment, as well as employment creation,” he said.

The Ministry of Finance reaffirmed that inputs from the stakeholder consultations will play a central role in shaping the policies and interventions in the 2026 Budget.

Under Section 21 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), the Minister for Finance is required to prepare the annual budget in consultation with relevant stakeholders.