Parliament has postponed debate on the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review until Tuesday, July 28, to allow Members of Parliament more time to examine the fiscal policy document presented by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson.
The debate was originally expected to begin on Friday, a day after the Minister presented the review to the House. However, Parliament rescheduled its proceedings, pushing the discussion to next week.
The postponement gives both the Majority and Minority caucuses additional time to assess the government’s economic performance during the first half of the year and review the policy measures proposed for the rest of 2026 before taking part in the debate.
Presenting the Mid-Year Budget Review on Thursday, Dr Forson highlighted what he described as positive improvements in the economy.
He pointed to lower inflation, a more stable exchange rate, stronger international reserves and continued fiscal consolidation as key achievements.
The Finance Minister also outlined government plans to speed up infrastructure development through the Big Push programme, increase investment in agriculture and education, strengthen social protection initiatives and sustain the country’s economic recovery.
He further announced additional support for education infrastructure to help pave the way for the gradual elimination of the double-track system under the Free Senior High School policy.
The budget statement has drawn mixed reactions from stakeholders. While some economists welcomed the reported macroeconomic progress, they urged the government to place greater emphasis on job creation, improving domestic revenue mobilisation and increasing investment in productive sectors of the economy.
Before the budget presentation, the Minority had indicated it would closely examine the government’s proposals and oppose any request for additional expenditure approvals.
The caucus argued that Parliament had already approved substantial borrowing to finance government programmes.
With the debate now scheduled for Tuesday, lawmakers are expected to closely scrutinise the government’s fiscal performance, assess the proposed policy measures and determine whether they are sufficient to sustain economic recovery and improve the living conditions of Ghanaians.
