Government has placed human development and shared prosperity at the centre of the 2026 Budget, with significant funding commitments across social protection, health, education, creative industries and infrastructure.
Presenting the final wrap-up during the budget approval debate, the Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, highlighted key allocations designed to support households, stimulate local economies, and strengthen national resilience.
The budget earmarks GH¢1.1 billion for the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme to cushion vulnerable families, including persons with disabilities, the elderly, and extremely poor households.
An additional GH¢401 million has been set aside for the newly established Women’s Development Bank, targeted at expanding access to finance for women-led micro, small and medium-scale enterprises.
Local governance and district development will also receive a significant boost, with GH¢8.9 billion allocated to the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF)—at least 80 percent of which is expected to directly fund priority projects within communities across the country.
In addition, GH¢500 million has been allocated for district housing and relocation support for victims affected by the Akosombo dam spillage, a move aimed at rebuilding lives and restoring livelihoods.
The 2026 Budget further commits GH¢20 million each to the Creative Arts Fund and the Film Fund, offering direct backing to the creative economy and its job creation potential.
Health-sector protection measures will be strengthened through GH¢2.3 billion for MahamaCares, a programme that provides support for citizens living with chronic diseases.
Education infrastructure remains frontline, with GH¢3.0 billion allocated for textbooks, school furniture, transportation and other essential learning materials for millions of schoolchildren nationwide.
On the development front, the landmark GH¢30 billion Big Push Infrastructure Programme is expected to drive large-scale connectivity, industrial expansion and long-term economic growth.
In concluding remarks, the Finance Minister said the 2026 Budget resets the economy for growth, jobs and transformation, reflecting a vision of fairness, prosperity and national self-reliance under President Mahama’s leadership.
He expressed appreciation to Parliament for its engagement, adding that Ghana is back on track and is poised to sustain progress through collective effort.
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