Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson says the government's New Economy programme will shift Ghana from economic recovery to job creation.
Dr Forson has stressed that stabilisation was only meant to provide the foundation for a more ambitious transformation of the productive economy. Presenting the 2026 Mid-Year Review, he said the agenda would build an economy that creates jobs and generates wealth, rather than one that merely withstands shocks.
President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the programme will involve a US$10 billion investment in key sectors. As described so far, it will commit about US$10 billion over four years to commercial agriculture, mining value addition, energy and transport infrastructure. The minister says it will also strengthen local production and reduce reliance on imported goods.
Dr Forson has begun consultations with key ministries on the programme. The National Development Planning Commission will track and assess its implementation. Full details are expected in the 2027 Budget. Dr Forson has said it will outline major infrastructure projects and policies to create more jobs. He had earlier targeted the first week of November for its presentation.
Not everyone is convinced. Former Finance Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah argues that the programme appears to repackage the Feed Ghana and 24-Hour Economy initiatives.
The Institute for Energy and Rural Policy Progress has also demanded a detailed financing framework, including sector allocations, investment criteria, an implementation timetable and accountability arrangements.
The 2027 Budget will show how the US$10 billion is to be funded, spent and measured. Until then, the jobs promise remains a pledge that the public and the opposition will hold the government to.
