71% want jobs and youth employment prioritised in 2027 Budget – KPMG/UNDP survey

A recent KPMG/UNDP survey reveals that 71% of respondents in Ghana prioritize job creation and youth employment in the country's 2027 Budget. The survey, which gathered opinions from citizens, businesses, and focus group discussions, indicates that 54% of respondents see the cost of living as another major concern. Participants emphasized the importance of addressing job creation and youth employment, while also highlighting cash-flow challenges as significant issues.

When it comes to taxation, 90% of respondents called for the government to communicate any changes at least four months before implementation, allowing businesses ample time for planning. Tax-related concerns extend beyond statutory rates, as respondents cited complex filing processes, payments to multiple authorities, and short-notice changes as significant obstacles.

Businesses expressed optimism but acknowledged ongoing constraints, such as access to suitable financing, reliable utilities, and market demand. The survey also found that while there is conditional interest in the government's 24-Hour Economy programme, job creation, youth employment, and cash-flow challenges remain top priorities for respondents.

To inform discussions on the 2027 Budget, KPMG and UNDP recommend focusing on four priority areas. These include enabling enterprise growth through affordable financing and predictable taxation, translating the 24-Hour Economy programme and New Economy agenda into productive investment, improving the value of public investment with financial discipline through effective coordination using the Value for Money Office, and safeguarding natural resources while accelerating green investment.