ISSER advocates enhanced revenue mobilization in 2027 budget

The Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) has recommended that the government should prioritize revenue mobilization and expand the tax base in the 2027 national budget. This advice emerged after ISSER released the State of the Ghana Economy Report 2025. The report indicated that in 2025, Ghana's fiscal consolidation was primarily driven by expenditure restraint instead of increased revenue mobilization.

While this resulted in reduced public debt from 62.7% to 46% of GDP and improved the cedi's value, it also had adverse effects on households due to stringent public expenditure limits. ISSER suggested that the government must intensify revenue collection, broaden the tax base, enhance compliance, and reduce revenue losses. Additionally, the institute emphasized the need for productive investment by improving spending efficiency while preserving crucial infrastructure and social spending.

ISSER also urged the government to maintain fiscal discipline by tightening oversight, preventing debt accumulation, and managing debt refinancing risks. The institute concluded that while Ghana's fiscal consolidation in 2025 was significant, it needs stronger revenue mobilization in 2027 without compromising essential public investment.