As Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson prepares to present the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review and unveil the government’s new economic policy, economists, businesses and industry players are calling for bold measures to protect Ghana’s economic recovery and support long-term growth.
While inflation has eased and macroeconomic conditions have improved, experts say the gains remain fragile and require targeted interventions.
Below are 12 key priorities stakeholders want government to address.
1. Safeguard exchange rate stability
Maintain strong monetary and fiscal measures to prevent excessive cedi depreciation, improve investor confidence and support business planning.
2. Strengthen debt management
Set clear debt reduction targets, ensure timely debt servicing and preserve Ghana’s credibility in the international financial markets.
3. Sustain inflation decline
Maintain prudent fiscal and monetary policies to keep inflation on a downward path and create room for lower commercial lending rates.
4. Clear government arrears
Publish a realistic and transparent plan to settle outstanding payments owed to contractors and suppliers to improve liquidity in the private sector.
5. Reduce the tax burden
Review nuisance taxes and simplify the customs duty regime to lower the cost of doing business and encourage investment.
6. Support farmers and food security
The Rice Producers and Processors Association of Ghana (RIPAG) wants stronger interventions to help farmers market their produce and remain profitable.
Spokesperson Dr Charles Nyaaba warned that many maize and rice farmers are still struggling to sell produce harvested last year.
“If the necessary attention is not given and many farmers decide not to produce this year, next year we may see food inflation rising again because food prices have largely driven the decline in inflation we are seeing now, yet farmers are the ones bearing the cost of those gains,” he warned.
7. Unveil a clear post-IMF strategy
Economist Prof. Godfred Bokpin says the budget should outline how government intends to sustain economic gains after the IMF-supported programme ends.
“The more important thing is how we are going to sustain the limited gain that we have made under the IMF-supported programme, and what measures government will put in place, maybe perhaps beyond the Policy Coordination Instrument,” he said.
8. Boost small and medium enterprises
Expand access to affordable credit, targeted grants and business support programmes to strengthen SMEs and drive job creation.
9. Complete ongoing infrastructure projects
Prioritise funding for high-impact legacy and abandoned projects instead of initiating new, unbudgeted capital works.
10. Invest in agricultural resilience
Increase spending on irrigation, improved seeds, fertiliser, storage facilities and other farming inputs to strengthen food production and reduce future inflation risks.
11. Expand youth employment
Scale up technical and digital skills training, support entrepreneurship and increase targeted public sector recruitment, particularly in underserved communities.
12. Review utility tariffs
Balance utility tariff adjustments with targeted social protection to cushion vulnerable households and prevent further increases in the cost of living.
With businesses, investors and development partners closely watching the Mid-Year Budget Review, many believe the government’s ability to address these priorities will determine whether Ghana’s recent economic gains evolve into sustainable, long-term growth.
