*Majority Leader Praises Finance Minister's Budget Presentation* The Majority Leader of Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has commended the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, for his budget presentation, saying it's a step in the right direction. Ayariga stated that the budget has revealed the bad economic management of the previous NPP government, and it's clear they're struggling in opposition. He noted that Parliament's budget has increased from GHC 1.1 billion in 2025 to a proposed GHC 1.6 billion in 2026. The Majority Leader praised the Finance Minister's efforts, citing reduced inflation, improved international ratings, and debt repayment. He expressed confidence that the budget will create jobs, citing the 24-Hour Economy program with a GHC 150 million allocation. Ayariga also highlighted the tragic incident where six young ladies died trying to find a job, blaming the previous government's economic mismanagement. He believes this budget will bring hope to the youth and

*Minority Leader Slams Finance Minister's Budget Presentation* Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader of Ghana's Parliament, has criticized the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, for his budget presentation, saying it's a repeat of his lamentations from March this year. Mr Afenyo-Markin questioned the Minister's transparency, pointing out that the business community has abandoned him, as evident from the empty public gallery. He also highlighted unanswered questions about a GHC 66 million allocation to constituencies to NDC members, asking where the money came from and how it was used. The Minority Leader emphasized that Parliament, which he is a part of, is the only body that does oversight, and the Minister's failure to recognize this is unacceptable. He also accused the Minister of not consulting with ministers before presenting the budget, saying they seemed unaware of the figures. He concluded by saying the budget is a disappointment and lacks concre

*Government Abolishes COVID-19 Levy, Cuts Tax Burden - Ato Forson* Ghana's Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced the abolition of the COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy, effective immediately, as part of a bold package of VAT reforms aimed at making the tax system more equitable and business-friendly. Key Tax Reforms includes COVID-19 Levy Abolished, Putting GH¢3.7 billion back into the pockets of individuals and businesses Again, GET Fund and NHIL Levies Decoupling from VAT tax base abolished Also VAT on Mineral Exploration Abolished, Effective VAT Rate Reduced from 21.9% to 20% . He added that, VAT Registration Threshold Raised from GH¢200,000 to GH¢750,000 and lastly, VAT Zero Rating for Local Textile Manufacturers Extended to 2028 These reforms are expected to reduce the cost of doing business by 5%, Dr. Forson said, presenting the 2026 Budget Statement in Parliament.

*Government to Complete 10 'Agenda 111' Hospitals in 2026 - Ato Forson* Ghana's government is set to complete ten 'Agenda 111' hospitals in 2026, as part of efforts to modernize and expand the country's healthcare system. Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced the plans in Parliament while presenting the 2026 Budget Statement. The government aims to enhance healthcare delivery, restore trust, and guarantee sustainable finance through the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as Mahama Cares. He stated that, Ghana's government is set to construct six new regional hospitals as part of efforts to modernize and expand the country's healthcare system. Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced the plans in Parliament while presenting the 2026 Budget Statement. According to the Minister, 6 New Regional Hospitals are to be built in newly created regions, starting with three in 2026 Two District Hospitals will also be built at Bole and Shama Government to continue w

*2026 Budget: Gov’t to create 800,000 jobs – Ato Forson* The Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced that the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of Government is specifically designed to create up to 800,000 new jobs across various sectors of the economy. He made this known on Thursday, November 13, when he presented the 2026 Budget Statement to Parliament. Dr Forson explained that the government’s flagship infrastructure and industrial initiatives will serve as key drivers of employment creation. He disclosed that the GH¢63 billion worth of road contracts awarded so far under the Big Push initiative is expected to generate an estimated 490,000 jobs, in line with World Bank metrics on job creation from road investments. He further noted that three new garment factories being established under government’s industrialisation agenda will create over 20,000 direct jobs, while seven new agro-processing plants are expected to employ about 700 people directly