Tech-driven civic organization BudgIT Ghana has called on the government to use the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review to provide a comprehensive and transparent account of the country’s fiscal performance, implementation of key policy commitments, and progress toward national development priorities.
In a statement ahead of Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson’s presentation of the review to Parliament on Thursday, July 23, the civic technology organisation said the mid-year review should serve as an important accountability exercise that enables citizens and stakeholders to assess whether commitments made in the 2026 Budget are being translated into measurable results.
According to BudgIT Ghana, the review should go beyond meeting statutory requirements and provide clear information on how public resources have been mobilised, allocated and utilised during the first half of the year.
“The Mid-Year Budget Review is more than a statutory requirement; it is an important accountability moment that allows citizens and stakeholders to assess whether the commitments outlined in the 2026 National Budget are translating into tangible outcomes,” the organisation stated.
It noted that the 2026 Budget projected total revenue and grants of GH¢268.1 billion and total expenditure of GH¢302.5 billion on a commitment basis, while outlining major initiatives including the GH¢30 billion Big Push Infrastructure Programme, increased investment in education, healthcare, agriculture, job creation and social protection, as well as measures aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability.
However, BudgIT Ghana said the success of these commitments should be measured by implementation rather than allocations alone, including whether projects are completed on schedule, funds are spent efficiently and citizens experience improvements in public services.
The organisation urged the government to provide detailed updates on revenue performance during the first half of the year, including collections against targets, expenditure trends, fiscal deficit management and measures being taken to maintain fiscal discipline.
It also called for greater transparency on the implementation of the GH¢30 billion Big Push Infrastructure Programme by publishing information on approved projects, their locations, funding arrangements, procurement processes, implementation timelines and monitoring mechanisms to ensure value for money.
BudgIT Ghana further requested updates on Ghana’s debt position, debt servicing obligations, borrowing plans and strategies for maintaining fiscal sustainability, while also seeking evidence of how spending in sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, employment and social protection has improved the lives of citizens.
Country Manager of BudgIT Ghana, Jennifer A. Moffatt, said the review should demonstrate the real impact of government spending on communities.
“The Mid-Year Budget Review is an opportunity to move beyond announcements and examine the actual progress of Ghana’s fiscal commitments. While ambitious targets and allocations are important, citizens must be able to see how these resources are improving their communities and livelihoods. Strong implementation, transparent reporting, and citizen oversight will determine whether the 2026 Budget becomes a document of promises or a roadmap for real impact.”
To strengthen accountability, the organisation recommended that government publish timely budget implementation reports detailing fund releases, expenditure levels and programme outcomes. It also advocated greater transparency around major infrastructure investments, stronger public financial management and procurement oversight, wider access to simplified budget information, and increased citizen participation throughout the budget cycle.
BudgIT Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to promoting fiscal transparency, accountability and citizen participation through research, advocacy and civic technology initiatives, adding that public resources should deliver measurable value to citizens.
“As Ghana awaits the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review, the focus must remain clear: public resources must translate into public value, and every cedi must work for the people,” the statement said.
