Ato Forson to present 2026 mid-year budget review next week

Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson is expected to appear before Parliament next week to present the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review, a major fiscal update that will outline the government’s next phase of economic reforms following a period of macroeconomic stabilisation.

The presentation, which will depend on Parliament’s official sitting calendar, is expected after the Finance Minister completes consultations with Cabinet and briefs President John Dramani Mahama on the policy measures and proposals contained in the review.

The mid-year statement is anticipated to go beyond a review of budget implementation and provide government’s roadmap for sustaining economic recovery, improving public finances and promoting private sector-led growth in the second half of the year.

Government is expected to use the review to highlight a shift from stabilisation measures towards a broader growth agenda focused on job creation, productivity enhancement and economic resilience, while maintaining fiscal discipline amid ongoing reforms.

A major component of the presentation is expected to be an update on Ghana’s programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), including the successful completion of the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement and preparations for a transition to the IMF’s Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI), which is expected to support economic policy coordination after the bailout programme.

Dr. Forson is also expected to brief Parliament on progress made under Ghana’s debt restructuring programme, particularly ongoing external debt negotiations and the impact of the process on the country’s debt sustainability outlook.

Recent IMF assessments pointing to improvements in Ghana’s debt position are likely to form part of the key issues addressed during the review.

On domestic fiscal performance, lawmakers are expected to receive updates on revenue mobilisation, expenditure trends and measures being implemented to keep the 2026 Budget on course while protecting critical investments in priority areas such as healthcare, education and infrastructure.

Investors and businesses are also expected to closely monitor the review for possible announcements on taxation, government spending and financing strategies that could affect the fiscal outlook and investment climate.

The statement is expected to indicate whether government intends to revise any of the economic assumptions underpinning the 2026 Budget in response to changing local and global economic conditions.

Beyond providing an account of budget implementation, the Mid-Year Budget Review will offer an assessment of Ghana’s economic performance during the first half of the year, covering areas such as revenue mobilisation, expenditure control, debt servicing and overall macroeconomic management.

The presentation is a statutory requirement under Section 28 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), which mandates the Finance Minister to update Parliament on budget execution and present the fiscal outlook for the remainder of the financial year.

The review is also expected to serve as a key indicator to investors, development partners and credit rating agencies of government’s commitment to prudent fiscal management and long-term economic sustainability.