Government to focus on jobs in 2026 budget – Deputy Finance Minister

The Deputy Finance Minister, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has said that job creation will be a key priority in Ghana’s 2026 budget. This focus aligns with World Bank recommendations aimed at addressing persistent unemployment and promoting private sector-led growth.

He made the announcement during the launch of the World Bank’s ninth Ghana Economic Update, which examines labour market challenges and opportunities in the country.

Speaking at the event, Ampem described the report as timely, noting that it supports the government’s policy direction as budget hearings approach next week.

“The upcoming 2026 budget statement and economic policy also provide an immediate window to influence policy decisions, especially those relating to real sector issues such as labour and employment. The 2026 budget will focus on jobs. I can confirm that the Ministry of Finance has been repositioned to leverage key insights to achieve a balanced focus on the Economy with the creation of the Real Sector Division. We also now have enhanced focus on evidence-based economic policy through our recently created Research Division,” he said.

Ampem added that the government is implementing targeted interventions to tackle unemployment as the economy recovers from recent fiscal and macroeconomic pressures.

“We have also commenced the implementation of interventions that will provide direct skills and jobs to Ghanaians. The National Apprenticeship Programme, ‘Adwumawura’, and ‘One Million Coders’ programmes have all been designed to build a skilled workforce and create dignified employment opportunities. Towards this objective, the government plans to invest about GH¢564.4 million in these three interventions in 2025. In addition, the government is also investing about GH¢410 million, through the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme, in 2025 to unlock the creative energies of the Ghanaian youth,” he noted.

He further emphasized that investments in strategic initiatives such as the ‘Big Push’ for infrastructure, Agriculture for Economic Transformation, and the 24-Hour Economy Programme are expected to accelerate indirect job creation while addressing national skills and employment gaps.

The Deputy Finance Minister said the government’s commitment to prioritizing employment in the upcoming budget reflects its resolve to strengthen the real sector, empower the workforce, and ensure sustainable economic growth.