Government awards $60 Billion in Big Push Infrastructure Programme, highlights 2026 budget priorities

Mahama Ayariga, Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, has announced that the government has awarded contracts worth $60 billion under its ambitious Big Push infrastructure programme.

Speaking during the concluding debate on the 2026 Budget Statement, Ayariga described the budget as forward-looking, with initiatives aimed at transforming the Ghanaian economy. He also revealed that the much-anticipated 24-Hour Economy policy document has been completed and is ready for parliamentary consideration.

Ayariga emphasised that the government’s fiscal plan is anchored on bold infrastructure investments and policies designed to accelerate growth, modernise the economy, and create opportunities for citizens.

In contrast, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin argued that the budget was not fit for purpose. He contended that despite its ambitious outlook, it lacked concrete measures to tackle unemployment and generate jobs for the youth.

The debate highlighted the sharp divide between the Majority and Minority caucuses over the government’s economic direction, with both sides reaffirming their positions on securing Ghana’s future growth.

The budget was presented by Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Minister of Finance, on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, fulfilling constitutional obligations under Article 179 of the 1992 Constitution and the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921).

Key highlights of the 2026 Budget, presented on November 13, 2025, include initiatives in healthcare, infrastructure, fiscal discipline, and cultural development, under the theme: “Resetting for Growth, Jobs, and Economic Transformation.”

Healthcare initiatives include:

• Nationwide rollout of free primary healthcare services starting in 2026.




• Deployment of 700 medical doctors across the country to strengthen healthcare delivery.




• Engagement with the private sector to complete and manage the Agenda 111 Hospitals project.

The government also highlighted measures to restore fiscal discipline, control inflation, stabilise the cedi, and rebuild investor confidence.

Other policy measures include:

• Introduction of an AI-powered trade data analytics system to enhance customs revenue collection.




• Repeal of the COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy.




• Amendments to the GETFund and National Health Insurance Acts.

Infrastructure and cultural development plans focus on:

• Rehabilitation of the National Theatre in Accra.




• Commencement of site acquisition and design for a second National Theatre in Kumasi.

On jobs and economic transformation, the budget emphasises job creation and policies aimed at modernising the economy while expanding opportunities for citizens.

This marks Dr Forson’s second presentation of the national budget since assuming office as Finance Minister. The 2026 Budget underscores the government’s focus on healthcare expansion, fiscal reforms, infrastructure renewal, cultural investment, and a national reset toward growth and job creation.