Nat’l Tymes News Desk
GHANA’S Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced that the 2026 Budget will create close to 800,000 jobs while introducing no new taxes.
He made the announcement when he presented the budget to Parliament on November 13, 2025, describing it as a major push to support economic growth and reduce unemployment across the country.
Dr. Forson said the budget is built to move Ghana from economic recovery into strong and stable growth. According to him, the government has designed clear programmes in infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing and small businesses that together are expected to create about 800,000 jobs.
A major part of the jobs is expected to come from the government’s Big Push infrastructure programme. The Minister explained that government has awarded GH¢63 billion worth of road contracts across the regions.
Based on World Bank employment estimates for road construction, these projects alone are expected to create about 490,000 jobs for engineers, machine operators, artisans and other workers.
The Minister also pointed to the government’s new industrial drive. Three new garment factories will be opened to produce clothing for both local and export markets, and these factories are expected to employ more than 20,000 people.
In addition, seven agro-processing factories are set to be built to process cashew, maize, guinea fowl, groundnut, shea and other produce. These plants will employ hundreds of people directly and many more through their supply chains.
Another major source of jobs is the new National Policy on Integrated Oil Palm Development for 2026 to 2032. Through this policy, government expects that about 250,000 jobs will be created across the oil palm value chain, from farming and processing to transport and marketing.
Farmer Service Centres to be set up across the country will also employ thousands of young people to operate and maintain equipment and support farmers.
Support for small businesses is another part of the plan. The government has decided to recapitalize some key banks to allow them to lend more to businesses.
The National Investment Bank has already been strengthened, and GH¢1 billion will be given to ADB and CBG to support small and medium-sized enterprises. The Women’s Development Bank will also receive GH¢401 million to give affordable loans to women traders and small business owners.
Dr. Forson said all these interventions are aimed at reducing unemployment while protecting citizens from new taxes. He noted that the 2026 Budget marks a major shift toward job creation and economic stability, and assured Parliament that the government is committed to delivering real opportunities for young people.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
