Government money must support Ghanaian farmers and create jobs - Finance Minister

Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has proposed amendments to procurement laws, requiring entities spending public funds to source food from Ghanaian farmers. Forson emphasized that government funds must support local farmers and generate employment opportunities for Ghanaians. In a post on his X page, he stated, "We are proposing changes to the procurement laws to require those spending public money to buy food from Ghanaian farmers. Government money must support Ghanaian farmers and create Ghanaian jobs."

Earlier, Forson had encouraged businesses to invest with confidence, assuring them that the government would maintain the progress made in stabilizing Ghana's economy. Speaking during a meeting with the Association of Ghana Industries, he revealed that the government's economic transformation blueprint would be unveiled in the 2027 Budget. Forson said, "Feel free to invest because we will sustain the gains. The golden era for Ghana is beginning, and our new blueprint will be announced in the 2027 Budget."

The Finance Minister assured that substantial improvements in the macroeconomic environment would be safeguarded and enhanced. He explained that the 2027 Budget would transition Ghana from stability to transformation. Dr Forson recalled President John Dramani Mahama's announcement of a US$10 billion investment in strategic sectors over the next four years. He stated, "We want to produce more, add value and create more jobs for the Ghanaian economy. This means addressing the fundamental challenges we face as a country."

Forson also urged the industry to contribute to domestic revenue mobilization, reducing the government's dependence on excessive borrowing. He noted, "We need your support to raise the necessary revenue so that the Government does not borrow beyond its means, as we saw in 2022."