By Francis Kobena Tandoh
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson is expected to present the mid-year budget of the John Mahama-led administration, and the public is looking forward to a general improvement in their living conditions.
According to the Ghana Eye Report’s recent interviews, quite a number of Ghanaians highlight job creation and reduction in the cost of living as top priorities.
Public interest is equally strong in scaling up flagship initiatives like the government’s 24-hour economy program, the “Big Push” infrastructure drive, and the “Adwumawura” youth entrepreneurship scheme.
Despite the cedi appreciating by 42% year-to-date, inflation remains stubbornly high. The public expects targeted relief, not just macroeconomic gains, including reductions in food prices, transport fares, and utility bills.
Eric Abanu, an unemployed graduate, says he has been home for the past two years and is looking up to the new administration to get him a job in the public sector.
“I have been trying to secure a job since I graduated some two years ago, but to no avail. I am really struggling to survive as a human being. I expect this government, through the mid-year budget, to create jobs for some of us,” said Agbanu.
Similarly, others want the recent gains of the cedi to be reflected in the prices of goods and services in the country.
“We hear that the cedi is appreciating against the dollar, yet when we go to the market, prices keep increasing. We don’t understand, and so I expect the government to come clean so that whatever they tell us about the cedi gains actually reflects in the prices of goods and services,” said Pat Addy, a 37-year-old housewife.
Citizens and businesses await updates on the continuation or removal of temporary levies (e.g., COVID-19 tax, fuel levy) and reforms to the value-added tax (VAT) policy.
Professional services firms have emphasized the need for certainty around intended changes.
With goals to hit GH¢200+ billion in domestic revenue and maintain discipline under the IMF program, public opinion calls for stronger tax enforcement, efficient spending, and clear fiscal metrics aligned with consolidation targets (e.g., 3.1% deficit target). Analysts will be watching closely.
According to early indicators from government briefings, inflation dropped from 23.5% in early 2025 to about 13.7% by the end of June.
The Ghanaian cedi regained ground, appreciating from GH¢15/USD to GH¢10.45 in early 2025. The half-year budget may adjust the GDP target upward, given the 5.3% Q1 growth against the originally projected 4.4%. Enditem
Source: Ghana Eye Report
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