BudgIT Ghana Calls for Rigorous Accountability in 2026 Budget Implementation
BudgIT Ghana, a leading civic-tech organisation advancing open budgets and citizen participation, acknowledges the release of Ghana’s 2026 National Budget and commends the government for several positive fiscal measures, including the scrapping of the COVID-19 Levy, steps toward easing the tax burden on consumers, and deeper investments in jobs, infrastructure, energy stability, education, and social protection.
President Mahama’s 2026 spending bill sets total expenditure at GH¢302.5 billion (on a commitment basis), with primary (non-interest) spending projected at GH¢244.7 billion (15.3 percent of GDP). These are significant increases when compared to the 2025 budget revenue projection of GH¢226.5 billion and spending allocation of GH₵270 billion.
Interest payments are estimated at GH¢57.7 billion, with GH¢50.1 billion for domestic debt and GH¢7.6 billion for external obligations. Capital expenditure is budgeted at GH¢57.5 billion (3.6 % of GDP), with GH¢45.5 billion coming from domestic sources; including GH¢30 billion for the Big Push Infrastructure Programme, and GH¢12 billion from foreign loans and grants.
Notably, Ghana’s public debt has reportedly declined from GH¢726.7 billion in 2024 to GH¢630.2 billion by October 2025, a drop the government attributes to disciplined borrowing and a stronger cedi.
The 2026 Budget is one of the most ambitious in recent years, with increased allocations to critical sectors like agriculture at GH₵8.96 billion from GH₵1.5 billion in 2025 , health at GH₵12.5 billion from GH₵9.93 billion in 2025, and education at a staggering GH₵56.87 billion from GH₵3.5 billion in 2025 as well as GH₵401 million to the Women’s Development bank from the GH₵51.3 million in 2025, signaling an intent to convert emerging macroeconomic stability (e.g., appreciating Cedi, projected lower inflation) into meaningful welfare gains. We also see an allocation of GH₵150 million to the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) for anti-Galamsey work on illegal mining, which is a relief to Ghanaians and an indication of the government’s intent on Galamsey.
However, BudgIT Ghana emphasises that the true success of the 2026 Budget hinges entirely on execution, transparency, and value for money. Gains can only be sustained if expenditure is traceable, leakages are reduced, and citizens are empowered to verify real outcomes.
Country Manager, Jennifer A. Moffatt, stated: “For the first time in many years, we have a national budget with clearly defined performance indicators, especially around job creation. Removing distortionary taxes and increasing support for productive sectors are positive steps. But the critical question remains: Will these numbers move from paper to people? Execution, reporting systems, and public oversight must urgently match the scale of these massive investments.”
To strengthen public accountability and ensure the 2026 Budget delivers on its promises, BudgIT Ghana recommends the following five priority actions:
- Publish Timely, Comprehensive Updates on Budget Execution
Quarterly disclosures must clearly show implementation progress across major programmes—including the Big Push infrastructure, oil-palm industrialisation, GETFund, NHIS commitments, and DACF releases—allowing civil society and citizens to track real progress and impact.
- Deploy Public-Facing Dashboards for High-Impact Sectors
Develop real-time, easily accessible dashboards to track key metrics like job creation targets, road project progress, education investments, and health service delivery outcomes. This enhances transparency and facilitates citizen monitoring.
- Strengthen Fiscal Discipline and Value-for-Money Measures
With a projected deficit of GH¢34.4 billion, the government must enforce strict procurement transparency, competitive contracting, and independent auditing across all large contracts to prevent inefficiencies, misappropriation, and illicit financial flows.
- Communicate Tax Reforms Clearly and Accessibly
The public should receive simple, public-facing explanations outlining the direct impact of the removal of the COVID-19 levy and the abolition of VAT on mineral exploration on households, businesses, and the cost of living.
- Expand Citizen Participation Across the Budget Cycle
Government, Parliament, and local authorities should deepen engagement during the planning, approval, implementation, and monitoring phases to build trust and close information gaps between the state and the populace.
BudgIT Ghana reaffirms its commitment to partnering with state institutions, civil society, the media, and citizens to deepen fiscal transparency. We are prepared to make the 2026 Budget a significant milestone, where ambitious allocations result in increased employment opportunities, enhanced services, and tangible, transformative enhancements for every Ghanaian.
