Ghana to ban commercial rice imports by 2030 – Finance Minister

Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson emphasized the importance of accountability in the handling of public funds during the presentation of the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy on November 12, 2026. He firmly stated that public money is owned by the people and those responsible for managing it must answer to them. Dr Forson highlighted the budget's focus on productive expenditure, which represents a significant shift from past spending patterns centered on consumption.

He revealed that GH¢98.3 billion has been allocated for capital expenditure in 2027, exceeding the previous year's interest payments by GH¢37 billion (61% increase) and surpassing the budgeted amount for wages and salaries by GH¢5.6 billion (6% increase). The capital expenditure alone would constitute 26.4% of total expenditure, a figure that would rise to 6.7% of GDP when including capital spending through transfers to other government units.

Dr Forson underscored that these allocations indicate a strategic shift towards investing in productive capacity, aiming to boost agricultural production, stimulate business expansion, and enhance public services. Investments in irrigation and storage facilities would help farmers increase output and minimize post-harvest losses, while improved roads and reliable energy supply would facilitate businesses' access to markets and enable them to expand operations.

New schools and health facilities would further strengthen essential services, and the government remains committed to fulfilling its obligations to public servants.

The Finance Minister declared that the 2027 Budget places productive investment at the heart of the government's strategy to foster job creation and promote prosperity. He concluded by asserting that Ghana must generate more wealth in the future by investing wisely in today's public funds.