Mr Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, says the government has awarded contracts worth $60 billion under the Big Push infrastructure programme.
Speaking during the concluding debate on the 2026 Budget Statement, Mr Ayariga described the budget as forward-looking, noting that it contained initiatives designed to transform the economy.
He revealed that the bill for the much-anticipated 24-Hour Economy policy document had been completed and is ready for consideration.
Mr Ayariga stressed that the government’s fiscal plan was anchored on bold investments in infrastructure and policies aimed at accelerating growth, modernising the economy, and creating opportunities for citizens.
In contrast, the Minority Leader, Mr Alexander Afenyo-Markin, in his concluding remarks, argued that the budget was not fit-for-purpose.
He contended that despite its ambitious outlook, the fiscal plan failed to provide concrete measures to address unemployment and create jobs for the youth.
The debate highlighted the sharp divide between the Majority and Minority caucuses over the government’s economic direction, with both sides reaffirming their positions on how best to secure Ghana’s future growth.
Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minister of Finance, presented the budget on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, fulfilling constitutional obligations under Article 179 of the 1992 Constitution and the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921).
Some key highlights of the 2026 Budget presented by Dr Forson on November 13, 2025, included major initiatives in healthcare, infrastructure, fiscal discipline, and cultural development on the theme: “Resetting for Growth, Jobs, and Economic Transformation”.
It includes the rollout of free primary healthcare services nationwide beginning in 2016.
The deployment of 700 medical doctors across the country to strengthen healthcare delivery.
The engagement of the private sector to complete and manage the Agenda 111 Hospitals project. The government claimed to have restored fiscal discipline, brought inflation under control, stabilised the cedi, and rekindled investor confidence.
The introduction of an AI-powered trade data analytics system to enhance customs revenue collection, repeal of the COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy, and amendments to the GETFund and National Health Insurance Acts.
Others are infrastructure & culture, allocation of funds for the rehabilitation of the National Theatre in Accra, commencement of site acquisition and design for a second National Theatre in Kumasi.
On Jobs & Transformation, the budget emphasised on strong job creation and economic reset, with policies aimed at modernising the economy and expanding opportunities for citizens.
The budget presentation marked his second time delivering the financial plan since assuming office as Finance Minister.
The 2026 Budget focuses on healthcare expansion, fiscal reforms, infrastructure renewal, and cultural investment, while positioning Ghana for a reset toward growth and jobs.
GNA