2026 budget implementation must be transparent, well-supervised – BudgIT Ghana

BudgIT Ghana has called for stronger accountability mechanisms to ensure that the ambitious 2026 National Budget translates into real improvements in the lives of citizens.

In a statement acknowledging the budget’s release, the organisation commended the government for key policy shifts, including the abolition of the COVID-19 levy, reductions in consumer tax burdens, and increased investment in jobs, infrastructure, and social protection.

The 2026 spending plan, presented by President John Dramani Mahama, sets total expenditure at GH¢302.5 billion on a commitment basis, with primary spending projected at GH¢244.7 billion—equivalent to 15.3 percent of GDP. This represents a significant rise from the 2025 budget, which projected revenue at GH¢226.5 billion and spending at GH₵270 billion.

Interest payments remain substantial at GH¢57.7 billion, comprising GH¢50.1 billion for domestic debt and GH¢7.6 billion for external obligations. Capital expenditure is estimated at GH¢57.5 billion, with GH¢45.5 billion sourced domestically, including GH¢30 billion for the Big Push Infrastructure Programme. A further GH¢12 billion will be financed through foreign loans and grants.

The government has also reported a reduction in public debt—from GH¢726.7 billion in 2024 to GH¢630.2 billion by October 2025—citing disciplined borrowing and an appreciating cedi.

BudgIT highlighted notable increases in allocations across key sectors: agriculture jumps to GH₵8.96 billion from GH₵1.5 billion; health rises to GH₵12.5 billion from GH₵9.93 billion; education surges to GH₵56.87 billion from GH₵3.5 billion; and funding for the Women’s Development Bank expands to GH₵401 million.

The allocation of GH₵150 million to the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) was also described as a step towards intensifying the fight against illegal mining.

Despite these commitments, BudgIT Ghana stressed that implementation remains the defining test of the budget. Country Manager Jennifer A. Moffatt noted, “For the first time in many years, we have a national budget with clearly defined performance indicators, especially around job creation. Removing distortionary taxes and increasing support for productive sectors are positive steps. But the critical question remains: Will these numbers move from paper to people? Execution, reporting systems, and public oversight must urgently match the scale of these massive investments.”

To strengthen accountability, BudgIT outlined five recommendations, including timely quarterly updates on budget execution, the deployment of public-facing dashboards for high-impact sectors, and stricter value-for-money measures to curb waste and illicit financial flows.

The group also urged clearer communication of tax reforms and broader citizen participation throughout the budget cycle.

BudgIT Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to working with state institutions, civil society, the media, and citizens “to make the 2026 Budget a significant milestone, where ambitious allocations result in increased employment opportunities, enhanced services, and tangible, transformative enhancements for every Ghanaian.”