*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

*Ghana to Deploy AI Technology to Plug Revenue Leakages at Ports - Finance Minister* Ghana's government is set to introduce an AI driven pre-arrival inspection system for all cross-border shipments to tackle revenue leakages at the ports, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced in Parliament. According to him, AI-Driven Inspection will be installed to detect undervaluation, flag high-risk routes, and strengthen customs capacity Revenue Boost he said is Expected to significantly increase customs revenue and enhance trade efficiency Addressing Revenue Leakages, he stated that, only GH¢85 billion of GH¢204 billion imports were taxable in 2024, pointing to misclassification and under-invoicing He revealed that, Funds freed from rationalizing expenditure will go to critical projects in roads, energy, agriculture, and education The move aims to combat smuggling, improve safety, and protect national security, Dr. Forson said, presenting the 2026 Budget Statement.

.*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.

*Ghana's Economy Shows Robust Growth, Led by Agriculture and Industry - Ato Forson* Ghana's economy is experiencing a remarkable turnaround, with a 6% growth rate in 2025, double that of last year, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced in Parliament today. The Finance Minister Stated that Ghana's Cocoa production has rebounded from a 21.4% contraction to 2.8% growth, thanks to targeted farm support and smarter policies According to him, Manufacturing rose 6.3%, and construction grew 4.0%, driven by reliable energy and revived infrastructure projects He stated that, household consumption grew 8.2%, reflecting stronger household confidence, while government spending slowed to 3.7%, demonstrating fiscal discipline Again, exports Grew 11.5%, led by gold, cocoa, and non-traditional exports "This is the growth that creates jobs, lifts incomes, and builds lasting stability," Dr. Forson said, presenting the 2026 Budget Statement. The economy's broad-based growth is expecte

Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin Questions Majority’s Stance on Supreme Court Nominations The Minority Leader, Hon. Alexander Osahene Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has raised concerns over what he described as inconsistency in the Majority’s position regarding nominations to the Supreme Court. Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Hon. Afenyo-Markin noted that members of the Majority who had previously opposed two nominations to the Supreme Court later presented seven nominees when given the opportunity, rendering their earlier arguments “baseless.” He explained that when the National Democratic Congress (NDC) opposed two nominations in 2008, those same individuals now in the Majority later submitted seven nominations at once. “The same people who opposed this nominee in 2008 are today saying they support his cause,” he stated. The Minority Leader further emphasized that the best days of Ghana lie ahead, adding that while members may hold differing opinions, they will exercise their right

Appointments Committee Endorses Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Chief Justice Despite NPP, Minority Opposition The Member of Parliament for Akatsi South and Chairman of the Appointments Committee, Hon. Bernard Ahiafor, has revealed that members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the Minority had earlier decided to oppose the nomination of the Chief Justice-designate. Addressing Parliament, Hon. Ahiafor explained that the committee acted in accordance with Article 144(1) of the 1992 Constitution and Order 217 of the Standing Orders of Parliament in vetting the nominee submitted by His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana. He stated that, after careful deliberation, the committee found the nominee to be exceptionally competent, possessing a profound understanding of the law and a firm grasp of judicial ethics. According to Hon. Ahiafor, the nominee answered all questions posed by the committee with professionalism, clarity, and intellectual rigor demonst

*Minority Chief Whip Calls for Review of Ghana Armed Forces Recruitment Process* The Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam Adoagyiri Constituency, Hon. Frank Annor Dompreh, has expressed his deep concern and grief over the tragic stampede at the El-Wak Sports Stadium during the Ghana Armed Forces recruitment exercise. Reading a statement in Parliament on theincident, Hon. Dompreh called for the immediate suspension of the recruitment process, citing the need to address the risks associated with the process. He urged the government to decentralize the process to reduce crowds and risks faced by applicants traveling from various parts of the country. Hon. Dompreh also called on the Deputy Minister for Defence to brief Parliament on alternative measures to mitigate such risks in the future, describing the incident as a "profound and systemic failure" and an indictment of a system that has lost its effectiveness. Hon. Dompreh also called on the Deputy Minister for Def

MAJORITY LEADER IS SHIELDING MINISTERS -ANNOH DOMPREH ALLEGES The Minority Chief-Whip Annoh Dompreh has alleged that, the Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga is shielding Ministers by not allowing them to come to floor of parliament to answer questions. According to him, over 300 questions are pending for state ministers to answer but they do not show up to do their work as ministers. Hon. Annoh Dompreh mentioned this on the floor of Parliament during issues of pending more questions not being answered. However, the Speaker Rt. Alban Sumana Bagbin stressed the need to allow Deputy Ministers to step in when Minsters are not available to help them learn on the job.

Majority Leader Ayariga Expresses Concern Over Ghana’s Representation at ECOWAS Parliament The Majority Leader of Parliament, Hon. Osman Mahama Ayariga, has expressed deep concern over recent developments involving Ghana’s delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament. Addressing the House, Hon. Ayariga revealed that he had to intervene and issue a stern warning to the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament after reports emerged that Ghana’s delegation might return home without being sworn in. He stated that he had threatened that if such an event occurred, he would move for the dissolution of Ghana’s participation in ECOWAS altogether. According to him, it was only after this intervention that the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament proceeded to swear in the four members representing Ghana. Hon. Ayariga further noted that the Member of Parliament for Effutu Constituency, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, attended a session of the ECOWAS Parliament in what he described as a “clear act of defiance” agains

Speaker Bagbin Reaffirms Commitment to Decorum in Parliament, Apologizes to Judiciary The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has emphasized the importance of upholding parliamentary decorum and discipline in accordance with the standing orders of the House. Addressing Members of Parliament on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Rt. Hon. Bagbin reminded members that the standing orders require them to maintain order and decorum in the Chamber and in committee meetings, and to refrain from the use of offensive, insulting, or unbecoming language. He cited Order 123(3), which cautions members against imputing improper motives or using words that are disrespectful or likely to cause offence. The Speaker stressed that parliamentary proceedings must always reflect the dignity and integrity of Parliament as a key organ of the state. He reaffirmed Parliament’s unwavering respect for the Judiciary as a co-equal arm of government under Article 125(1) of the 1992 Constituti

Afenyo-Markin Questions Business Statement Over Planned Vetting in Parliament The Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for the Effutu Constituency, Hon. Alexander Osahene Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has expressed concerns over portions of the Business Statement presented in Parliament, particularly regarding an aspect that mentions a planned vetting exercise. Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Hon. Afenyo-Markin indicated that during the presentation of the Business Statement, he was asked whether he had access to the Business Committee’s report. In response, he noted that as a former Majority Leader, he is well aware of parliamentary procedures. According to him, when the Business Statement is presented and questions are raised or inputs are made, once the Majority Leader who also serves as the Leader of Government Business and Chair of the Business Committee confirms certain provisions, those provisions become part of the official report. He pointed out that the Majority Leader

Finance Minister to Present 2026 Budget on November 13 The Majority Leader, Hon. Osman Mahama Ayariga, has announced that the Minister of Finance, Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, will present the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government of Ghana to Parliament on Thursday, November 13, 2025. Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Hon. Ayariga stated that the presentation will be made on behalf of the President, in line with Article 179 of the 1992 Constitution. He urged all Members of Parliament to take note of the date and be present for the budget presentation. The Majority Leader also appealed to the Ministry of Finance and other government ministries and agencies to submit their budget estimates early to facilitate timely consideration and approval. Hon. Ayariga further revealed that a post-budget workshop will be organized to allow Members of Parliament to fully analyze and discuss the budget details. The venue and date for the workshop, he said, will be communica