2026 budget prioritizes human development and shared prosperity

The 2026 Budget places human development and shared prosperity at its core, with significant allocations across social protection, health, education, the creative economy, and infrastructure.

Concluding the budget approval debate on Thursday, November 27, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson highlighted key interventions aimed at supporting vulnerable households, stimulating local economies, and strengthening national resilience.

Social Protection and Household Support

The budget dedicates substantial funds to poverty reduction and community welfare:

• GH¢1.1 billion for the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme to support vulnerable families, including persons with disabilities, the elderly, and extremely poor households.




• GH¢401 million for the Women’s Development Bank, targeting increased access to finance for women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).




• GH¢2.3 billion for MahamaCares, a programme providing support to citizens living with chronic diseases.




• GH¢500 million for district housing and relocation support for victims affected by the Akosombo dam spillage, aimed at restoring livelihoods.

Boosting Local Economies and the Creative Arts

The budget also prioritizes local governance and high-growth sectors:

• GH¢8.9 billion to the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), with at least 80% earmarked for priority community projects.




• GH¢20 million each for the Creative Arts Fund and Film Fund, supporting job creation and innovation in the creative economy.

Education and National Infrastructure

Human capital development and infrastructure expansion also received strong backing:

• GH¢3.0 billion for education infrastructure, including textbooks, school furniture, transport, and learning materials for schoolchildren nationwide.




• GH¢30 billion for the Big Push Infrastructure Programme, driving national connectivity, industrial expansion, and long-term economic growth.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Forson stated that the 2026 Budget resets the economy for growth, jobs, and transformation, reflecting a vision of fairness, prosperity, and self-reliance under President Mahama’s leadership. He emphasised that Ghana is back on track and poised for sustained progress through collective effort.