Former Gomoa Central MP, Rachel Appoh, has said the 2026 Budget reflects the hopes and priorities of Ghanaians, describing it as a defining moment for the government’s economic agenda.
Speaking on Accra FM, the former Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection praised the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy, presented to Parliament by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson on Thursday, November 13, 2025.
She said the document represents a balanced effort to consolidate Ghana’s fragile post-crisis recovery while addressing public demands for relief from the high cost of living and supporting renewed economic growth.
Ms. Appoh commended the Mahama-led administration for allocating resources to pro-poor initiatives, including the School Feeding Programme. She urged strict monitoring of social intervention allocations to prevent leakages and ensure that the intended beneficiaries fully benefit.
She also lauded the new directive requiring School Feeding caterers to source foodstuffs from local farmers, calling it “a smart step toward strengthening the agricultural value chain and putting real money in the pockets of rural producers.” According to her, the move aligns with the government’s goal of boosting local production and reducing reliance on imported food commodities.
On infrastructure, Ms. Appoh welcomed the renewed focus on road development, particularly planned express routes within the Greater Kumasi area. She said improved road connectivity would enhance commerce, transportation efficiency, and regional integration while opening up underserved communities.
Commenting on the macroeconomic outlook, she praised the government’s progress toward achieving single-digit inflation, noting that price stability is crucial for restoring household confidence and encouraging business expansion. She further commended the planned capital injection into the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), saying it would “keep the lights on” and support productivity for homes and businesses.
Ms. Appoh also welcomed the scrapping of the COVID-19 levy as timely relief for Ghanaians struggling with high living costs. She urged traders to reflect improvements in inflation and tax reductions in the pricing of goods so that consumers feel the full impact of the government’s policies.
Highlighting key provisions in the 2025 budget themed “Resetting the Economy for the Ghana We Want,” she said the 2026 Budget builds on these gains. These include debt reduction initiatives, expenditure rationalization, payroll sanitization, and the abolition of taxes such as the e-levy and the withholding tax on lottery winnings.
She stressed that the combined effect of these measures demonstrates the government’s renewed commitment to fiscal discipline and inclusive growth.
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