Presenting the 2026 Mid‑Year Fiscal Policy Review in Parliament on Thursday, the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, rejected claims that government spending has slowed, insisting that resources are being deployed responsibly and transparently.
“In recent times, a narrative has emerged suggesting that this Government is not spending enough. Nothing could be farther from the truth,” Dr. Forson declared. “Far from standing still, we have been steadily and responsibly deploying resources, guided by the simple but firm principle that we spend only what we have, and we spend it wisely, with the future of our nation firmly in view.”
Expenditure Highlights
Dr. Forson laid before the House a detailed account of disbursements made under the 2026 Budget, spanning compensation, debt servicing, social interventions, and infrastructure. Key allocations include:
- Public sector compensation — GH¢48.8 billion, including GH¢4 billion in pension contributions.
- Debt servicing — GH¢21.5 billion for interest payments and US$700 million for Eurobond obligations.
- Financial sector support — GH¢10 billion to domestic bondholders.
- Health sector — GH¢4.5 billion to the National Health Insurance Scheme and GH¢1.1 billion to MahamaCares.
- Education — GH¢4.2 billion to GETFund, GH¢1.8 billion to Free Secondary Education, GH¢537 million to the No Fees Stress Policy, and GH¢915 million for goods and services, including sanitary pads.
- Infrastructure — GH¢11.5 billion for capital expenditure and GH¢6.5 billion to the Big Push Infrastructure Programme.
- Energy — GH¢7.1 billion to maintain stable power supply.
- Social protection — GH¢485 million to LEAP beneficiaries, GH¢877 million to the School Feeding Programme, GH¢46 million for BECE registration, and GH¢104 million and GH¢144 million for teacher and nursing trainee allowances respectively.
- Agriculture — GH¢1.1 billion for flagship programmes under the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, and GH¢551 million for Farmer Service Centres.
Transparency and Accountability
Dr. Forson emphasized that these expenditures demonstrate government’s commitment to transparency and accountability. “In the spirit of transparency and accountability, allow me to lay before this House a clear account of some of the expenditure we have made so far in support of Government programmes across sectors approved in the 2026 Budget,” he said.
The Finance Minister concluded by assuring Parliament that the government remains focused on prudent fiscal management while delivering on its promises to citizens across all sectors.
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