Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, is expected to present the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review to Parliament next week, offering the first comprehensive assessment of the economy since the 2026 Budget was approved.

The review is expected to provide an update on the implementation of government policies during the first half of the year and outline the fiscal and economic strategy for the remainder of 2026.

Some of the key areas expected to feature in the presentation

New economic agenda

The Finance Minister is expected to outline government's next phase of economic reforms aimed at moving Ghana from economic stabilisation to sustained growth.

The strategy is expected to focus on expanding economic activity, improving productivity, creating jobs and strengthening the country's resilience to external shocks while maintaining macroeconomic stability.

2026 Mid-Year Budget Review set for parliament next week

IMF programme and the next phase

One of the major things Forson is expected to update the public on is Ghana's recently concluded International Monetary Fund (IMF) Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme.

Government is also expected to explain the country's transition to the IMF's Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI), which is expected to support continued policy discipline without direct financial assistance.

Debt restructuring progress

Parliament is expected to receive an update on Ghana's debt restructuring programme, particularly negotiations with external creditors.

Dr Ato Forson is also expected to explain how recent developments have improved Ghana's debt sustainability and what they mean for the country's public finances and borrowing outlook.

Revenue performance

The review is expected to provide details on revenue mobilisation during the first half of 2026.

This will likely include updates on tax collection, domestic revenue performance and the effectiveness of measures introduced to strengthen government finances.

Government spending

Dr Ato Forson is also expected to explain how government has managed expenditure during the first six months of the year and outline spending priorities for the remainder of 2026.

Critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, healthcare and social protection are expected to remain key areas of focus.

Job creation and economic growth

Government is expected to announce measures aimed at boosting economic growth, attracting investment and creating sustainable employment opportunities.

A major area to watch will be updates on the Big Push Programme, government’s flagship infrastructure initiative aimed at accelerating development through strategic investments.

The Finance Minister is expected to outline progress on ongoing projects, funding arrangements and how the programme is expected to support economic activity, improve infrastructure and create employment opportunities.

The 24-Hour Economy policy is also expected to feature prominently in the review.

Parliament is likely to receive updates on the implementation of the initiative, including participating sectors, support mechanisms and its potential impact on productivity, business expansion and job creation.

Government’s employment and entrepreneurship programmes are also expected to come under focus.

The review may provide updates on initiatives such as the National Apprenticeship Programme, the National Coders Programme and other interventions aimed at equipping young people with skills and creating new economic opportunities.

Critical sectors, including health, education and social protection, are expected to feature in the presentation. Parliament may receive updates on government investments in healthcare delivery, the Free Senior High School programme, No Fee Stress Programme and other social interventions aimed at improving access to essential public services.

Possible adjustments to the 2026 Budget

The Mid-Year Budget Review may also contain revisions to some of the assumptions underpinning the 2026 Budget.

Any changes are expected to reflect developments in the domestic and global economy, as well as updated projections for revenue, expenditure, inflation and economic growth.

Why it matters

The Mid-Year Budget Review is a statutory requirement under Section 28 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), which requires the Finance Minister to update Parliament on the implementation of the national budget and present the fiscal outlook for the remainder of the year.

The exercise is intended to promote transparency and accountability in public financial management by keeping Parliament, investors, development partners and the public informed about government’s financial position and policy direction.

It will also set the stage for parliamentary debates, giving the Majority an opportunity to defend government’s policies and spending and highlight progress made, while the Minority is expected to question spending decisions, revenue mobilisation efforts and overall fiscal management.

JKB/VPO

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