Government budgets GH¢302.5b expenditure in 2026

The Ghana government has projected its total expenditure on a commitment basis for the 2026 fiscal year at GH¢302.5 billion, representing 18.9 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

This marks a significant increase from the GH¢251.7 billion recorded in 2025, reflecting the government’s ‘Resetting for Growth, Jobs, and Economic Transformation agenda.”

Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, the Minister of Finance, disclosed the expenditure roadmap during the presentation of the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on Thursday.

The figures outline a strategic prioritisation of spending towards productive sectors and crucial social services.

The finance minister said a major component of the spending plan was the Primary Expenditure, excluding interest, which was projected to stand at GH¢244.7 billion, or 15.3 per cent of GDP.

He said that category reflected the Government’s targeted spending to drive growth and ensure value-for-money across various sectors.

“The capital expenditure is set to rise sharply to GH¢57.5 billion, equivalent to 3.6 per cent of GDP,” he noted.

“This significant increase is primarily spearheaded by the ambitious Big Push Infrastructure Programme, which alone has been allocated GH¢30 billion dedicated to strategic road and bridge projects across the country.”

A total of GH¢90.8 billion had been projected for Compensation of Employees to ensure fair and timely remuneration for public servants, the finance minister said.

He said a total of GH¢13.2 billion had been allocated for Goods and Services to improve efficiency and operational capacity across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

“Interest Payments are projected to decline to GH¢57.7 billion, a positive outcome attributed to the Government’s prudent liability management efforts,” he said.

He disclosed that transfers for grants to statutory funds, energy payments, and other essential transfers totalled GH¢63.6 billion, with specific ESLA and IPP commitments estimated at GH¢19.7 billion.

Source: GNA