Ahead of today’s parliamentary presentation of the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review, former ISSER Director Professor Peter Quartey has urged Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson to anchor the review on two interlinked pillars: strengthening domestic revenue generation and channelling strategic investment into agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure to foster employment and long-term growth.
Appearing on JoyNews’ AM Show, Prof. Quartey acknowledged the government’s success in stabilising the macroeconomy but insisted that the next chapter of economic management must prioritise the real sector. He argued that agriculture and manufacturing—the country’s largest employers—deserve the bulk of public and private investment, and called for targeted incentives to unlock private capital. On agriculture, he specifically lamented Ghana’s underperformance in irrigation, pointing to Burkina Faso’s advances in tomato cultivation as a reproach, and warned that the nation’s growing reliance on imported onions and other staples undermines food security. While commending the administration’s renewed focus on poultry, he criticised the rollout as poorly executed and recommended direct engagement with large-scale farmers to correct course.
On infrastructure, Prof. Quartey endorsed the “Big Push” initiative but expressed impatience with its pace, urging a rapid acceleration to deliver tangible improvements in roads and public works. He also identified sanitation as a critical but neglected area, arguing that improved public services are essential to complement macroeconomic gains. The Finance Minister is expected to present the review later today, outlining first-half performance, revised fiscal targets, and policy measures to sustain stability while promoting growth, employment, and revenue mobilisation.
