Accra: The government has announced plans to more than double the road infrastructure allocation in the 2026 budget to sustain economic recovery and build long-term resilience. Mr Thomas Nyarko Ampem, Deputy Minister for Finance, highlighted that recent macroeconomic gains provided a foundation for inclusive development and shared prosperity, focusing on fiscal discipline and infrastructure expansion.
According to Ghana News Agency, over 60 road projects have already commenced nationwide to improve connectivity and support economic activity, with significantly increased funding planned for the coming year. Mr Ampem explained that the infrastructure drive recognized the importance of transportation networks in facilitating trade, boosting growth, and creating jobs.
He emphasized that the 2026 budget would balance infrastructure investment with social development priorities, including increased funding for healthcare, education, and support for vulnerable groups. The government's ability to expand capital spending is attributed to recent improvements in macroeconomic indicators, such as a primary balance surplus of 1.4 percent of GDP, a reduced fiscal deficit of 1.5 percent, and a decline in public debt to 46.8 percent as of August 2025.
Mr Ampem noted that inflation had dropped to 9.4 percent from over 20 percent, treasury bill rates had declined by 1,300 basis points, and Ghana had received credit rating upgrades from international agencies. The Deputy Minister added that the Ghanaian currency's appreciation indicated improved investor confidence and reduced the cost of imported construction materials and equipment needed for infrastructure projects.
He mentioned that the IMF agreement and Moody's credit rating upgrade reaffirmed international confidence in Ghana's economic direction, potentially unlocking concessional financing and attracting private sector investment in infrastructure. The government remains committed to sustaining the economic turnaround through prudent debt management, structural reforms, and expanded capital investment.
Mr Ampem also emphasized the importance of consultations with financial and non-financial institutions, civil society, academia, and citizens in informing the 2026 budget design. Article 179(1) of the 1992 Constitution and Section 21 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921) require the finance minister to prepare the budget in consultation with stakeholders. The 2026 budget, focused on job creation and private sector-led growth, is scheduled for presentation to Parliament in November 2025.
