Ghana’s 2026 Budget prioritizes energy sector to boost industrial growth

Ghana’s 2026 Budget places the energy sector at the center of the country’s economic transformation, with a renewed focus on financial stability, renewable energy expansion, and reliable power supply.

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced that the government’s Energy and Green Transition Programme aims to provide sustainable electricity for households, industry, and exports, making it a key driver of national growth.

Key interventions highlighted include the continuation of the Energy Sector Recovery Programme (ESRP), the Cash Waterfall Mechanism, and targeted measures to clear legacy debts owed to Independent Power Producers (IPPs). These reforms are expected to restore investor confidence, stabilize the operations of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), and improve efficiency across the power value chain.

In line with Ghana’s climate commitments, the government plans to increase renewable energy generation to 15 percent by 2030, supported by projects such as the Bui Solar Expansion, Akonor Solar Park, and off-grid mini-grid systems across Northern Ghana. These initiatives are designed to complement industrial electrification and support the 24-Hour Economy initiative by ensuring continuous power availability.

The Green Jobs and Skills Programme, under the Ministry of Energy and Employment, is training thousands of young Ghanaians in solar assembly, installation, and maintenance, building a skilled workforce for the emerging energy sector.

Dr. Forson emphasized that stabilizing the energy sector, expanding renewables, and developing local expertise will boost industrial productivity, reduce operational costs, and provide a sustainable energy foundation for Ghana’s long-term economic growth