2026 budget to focus on jobs – Finance Minister

The government has spoken about plans to prioritize job creation above all things in the 2026 budget.

This is to align with recent World Bank recommendations to tackle persistent unemployment and drive private sector-led growth.

This comes in alignment with the recommendation of the World Bank to address constant unemployment concerns and spur a private sector-led growth.

Deputy Finance Minister and Member of Parliament for Asuogyaman constituency spoke at the launch of the World Bank’s ninth Ghana Economic Update on Addressing Labor Market Challenges and Opportunities in Ghana’s Economic Landscape. He described the World Bank’s report as timely and in accordance with the government’s policy direction, as it prepares to open budget hearings soon.

“The upcoming 2026 budget statement and economic policy also provide an immediate window to influence policy decisions, especially those relating to real sector issues such as labour and employment. The 2026 budget will focus on jobs. I can confirm that the Ministry of Finance has been repositioned to leverage key insights to achieve a balanced focus on the Economy with the creation of the Real Sector Division. We also now have enhanced focus on evidence-based economic policy through our recently created Research Division,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Finance Minister adds that the government is implementing targeted interventions to tackle unemployment as the economy rebounds from recent fiscal and macroeconomic pressures.
The Deputy Finance Minister noted that, as the economy recovers from recent fiscal and macroeconomic challenges, the government is rolling out specific measures aimed at addressing unemployment.

“We have also commenced the implementation of interventions that will provide direct skills and jobs to Ghanaians. The National Apprenticeship Programme, ‘Adwumawura’ and ‘One Million Coders’ programmes have all been designed to build a skilled workforce and create dignified employment opportunities.”

“Towards this objective, Government plans to invest about GH¢564.4 million in these three interventions in 2025. In addition, Government is also investing about GH¢410 million, through the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme, in 2025 to unlock the creative energies of the Ghanaian youth.”

In addition, investments in key interventions such as ‘Big Push’ for infrastructure, Agriculture for Economic Transformation, and the 24-Hour Economy Programme are bound to accelerate indirect job creation to address the national skills and jobs challenge,” he said.