Ghana's Finance Minister Presents 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review Amid Parliamentary Criticism

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson is set to present Ghana's 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review to Parliament on Thursday, July 23. The review will cover the first half of the year’s economic performance, noting that inflation has fallen to 5.3%, and will outline fiscal priorities, debt sustainability and the transition from the IMF Extended Credit Facility to the Policy Coordination Instrument.

Opposition MPs raised several concerns. Tano North MP Dr. Gideon Boako criticized the government's reliance on a $300 million foreign loan to fund the Free Senior High School programme, urging domestic tax revenue instead. Ranking Member Kojo Oppong Nkrumah questioned the claim that the 24‑hour economy programme has created 160,000 jobs, describing the figures as projections rather than actual payrolls.

The Minority warned the Finance Minister not to request additional funding, demanding payment of arrears owed to contractors and updates on flagship initiatives such as the 24‑hour economy, Women’s Development Bank and the One‑Three‑Three programme.

Parliament also debated Ghana's debt‑to‑GDP ratio, which the government cited as falling to 44%. Opposition members argued the improvement largely reflects cedi appreciation and warned that further currency depreciation could reverse the gain, calling for a broader assessment of debt sustainability.