Economic policy analyst and entrepreneur, Senyo Hosi, has praised the Mahama government for demonstrating fiscal prudence and restoring macroeconomic stability since assuming office in January.

He however cautioned that much more must be done to make the recovery sustainable and inclusive.

Speaking at the 2025 Deloitte Economic Dialogue on the 2026 Budget, Hosi described the budget as “great” and reflective of discipline and progress, but stressed that Ghana has yet to achieve meaningful transformation.

He noted that while revenue outturns in 2025 exceeded projections — GH¢226 billion against a forecast of GH¢211 billion — and expenditure was contained, the 2026 budget “is not transformational.”

“There’s brilliance in this budget, especially in capital expenditure plans meant to drive growth. But the question is whether that infrastructure will stimulate sustainable growth,” he said.

Hosi commended government’s restructuring of mineral royalties and avoidance of the controversial Agyapa deal, arguing that Ghana would have lost billions annually had the deal gone through.

He also endorsed the Gold Board’s traceability policy, describing it as one of the most significant economic reforms in the past decade.

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He warned that inequality, food insecurity, and unemployment remain deep-rooted challenges.

Senyo Hosi cited IMF and census data showing youth underemployment at 50 percent, with poverty levels largely unchanged and food insecurity affecting 15 million people, up from 11 million in 2016.

On agriculture, he lamented that the sector employs over 38 percent of the workforce but contributes only 21 percent to GDP, calling it “structurally weak and underproductive.”

Hosi also downplayed the government’s “24-hour economy” initiative, saying it should be the outcome of sound policy rather than a slogan.

“You don’t declare a 24-hour economy. You create conditions for it,” he argued.

He urged government and the private sector to prioritize research, industrialisation, and transparency as pillars of long-term growth.

“Beyond applause and slogans, we must make Ghana productive again — research-driven, transparent, and fair,” he said.

The Deloitte Economic Dialogue brought together policymakers, academics, and industry leaders to analyse Ghana’s annual budget and its implications for growth and fiscal management.

The 2025 edition focused on the theme “Resetting Growth, Jobs, and Economic Transformation” under Ghana’s IMF-supported stabilization program.


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