2026 Budget Total Appropriation Set at GHS 357.1 Billion
The total appropriation for Ghana’s 2026 fiscal year has been set at GH¢357,105,639,079.87, Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson announced on Thursday during the presentation of the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament.
Dr Forson stated that total expenditure on a commitment basis is projected at GH¢302.5 billion, representing 18.9 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This marks a 20.1 percent increase from the 2025 projection of GH¢251.7 billion, which accounted for 17.8 percent of GDP.
“The 2026 allocation reflects a careful balance between fiscal consolidation and strategic investment in infrastructure, human capital, and social protection,” the Minister said.
Key Expenditure Breakdown:
Primary Expenditure (excluding interest payments): GH¢244.7 billion (15.3% of GDP)
Compensation of Employees (wages, salaries, pensions, gratuities, social security contributions): GH¢90.8 billion (5.7% of GDP), including a 9% negotiated increase under the Single Spine Salary Structure.
Goods and Services: GH¢13.2 billion (0.8% of GDP) to enhance efficiency across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Grants to Other Government Units (GETFund, NHIF, DACF): GH¢63.6 billion (4.0% of GDP)
Interest Payments: GH¢57.7 billion (3.6% of GDP)
Domestic: GH¢50.1 billion
External: GH¢7.6 billion
Capital Expenditure (CAPEX): GH¢57.5 billion (3.6% of GDP)
Domestically financed: GH¢45.5 billion (GH¢15.5 billion for MDAs; GH¢30 billion for Big Push Infrastructure Programme)
Foreign-financed: GH¢12 billion (project loans and grants)
Other Expenditures (including IPP payments and Energy Sector Levies Act transfers): GH¢19.7 billion (1.2% of GDP)
The Minister highlighted that ongoing debt restructuring and liability management initiatives are expected to reduce the interest burden over the medium term, while strategic CAPEX investments are aimed at driving sustainable growth.
