Govt targets fiscal discipline, jobs in 2026 budget
By Stephen Freeman
The Government of Ghana has announced that fiscal discipline and job creation will be the twin pillars of the 2026 Budget, as part of efforts to consolidate recent economic stability and sustain progress made under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme.
Speaking at a media engagement ahead of the budget presentation, Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, said the 2026 fiscal plan will be guided by prudent spending, improved domestic revenue mobilisation, and strategic investments in job-creating sectors.
He explained that the government’s overriding goal is to protect macroeconomic stability while ensuring that the benefits of the IMF-supported reforms translate into tangible social and economic outcomes.
“Our focus is to maintain fiscal stability while creating more jobs for Ghanaians. We want to ensure that the gains made under the IMF programme are protected and translated into real improvements in the lives of our citizens,” Mr Ampem stated.
According to him, fiscal discipline will remain central to the government’s economic management framework to prevent a relapse into unsustainable deficits and debt accumulation.
“We are determined to avoid the boom-and-bust cycles that have characterised our fiscal history. The next phase is about resilience, sustainability and jobs,” he stressed.
Job Creation and Sectoral Focus
Mr Ampem revealed that job creation would feature prominently in the 2026 Budget through targeted interventions across key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, construction and digital innovation.
He said the government intends to expand employment opportunities for the youth by deepening support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), agribusinesses and start-ups, while promoting private sector-led growth.
“We recognise that the private sector is the engine of job creation. Our task is to create a stable macroeconomic environment and supportive policies that allow businesses to thrive and employ more Ghanaians,” Mr Ampem explained.
Budget Presentation in November
The 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy is expected to be presented to Parliament in November, outlining the government’s fiscal framework, revenue measures, expenditure priorities and strategies for accelerating inclusive growth.
The Deputy Minister assured that the government would continue engaging key stakeholders including labour unions, the private sector and civil society, to ensure that the upcoming budget reflects national development priorities while maintaining fiscal prudence.
“We are building a more disciplined, jobs-oriented economy that delivers opportunities and stability for all,” he added.
