Government Highlights Key Allocations in 2026 Budget for People’s Welfare and Development

In presenting the 2026 Budget, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson emphasised the government’s commitment to investing in Ghanaians and shared prosperity. The allocations, outlined under the theme “Investing in People and Shared Prosperity,” include substantial funding for social protection, local development, education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Key highlights include:

• GH¢1.1 billion for the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme to protect vulnerable populations.

• GH¢401 million for the Women’s Development Bank to support women-owned micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

GH¢8.9 billion for the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), with at least 80 percent earmarked for district-level priorities.

• GH¢500 million for district housing and resettlement of communities affected by the Akosombo spillage.

GH¢20 million each for the Creative Arts Fund and Film Fund to boost cultural and creative industries.

GH¢2.3 billion under the MahamaCares initiative to assist citizens battling chronic diseases.

GH¢3 billion for textbooks, school furniture, transport, and learning materials for millions of students nationwide.

GH¢30 billion for the Big Push Infrastructure Programme to accelerate national development projects.

“This is what responsible, people-centred governance looks like,” Dr. Forson told Parliament, underscoring the administration’s focus on ensuring that budgetary resources directly benefit citizens and support inclusive growth.

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