Ghana’s public debt hits GH¢759.3bn as government reports GH¢20.8bn arrears clearance
By Osei-Tutu Esther Kumah Ghana recorded a primary surplus of 1.4 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on a commitment basis between January and October 2026, while public debt stood at GH¢759.3 billion, according to provisional fiscal figures presented in the 2027 Budget Statement. Presenting the budget to Parliament on Thursday, November 12, 2026, […]
Ghana's public debt has reached GH¢759.3 billion, accounting for 47.5% of the country's GDP as of October 2026, according to the 2027 Budget Statement. The government reported a primary surplus of 1.4% of GDP on a commitment basis from January to October 2026, surpassing the target set for the year of 1.5%. Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson attributed this achievement to stronger revenue mobilisation and expenditure controls.
Total revenue collections for the first ten months of 2026 amounted to GH¢219.3 billion, representing 13.7% of GDP and exceeding the target by 3.5%. Domestic revenue reached GH¢218.2 billion, surpassing the target by 4.9%. Expenditure stood at GH¢239 billion, representing 15% of GDP, which is 7.6% below the target. Government has cleared GH¢20.8 billion in legacy arrears during the period.
The Finance Minister also highlighted that interest payments as a share of domestic revenue had declined from 25.6% to 17.8%, creating additional fiscal space for infrastructure and essential public services.
Written by urgent.news from GBC Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
