Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are pivotal to Ghana’s economic growth and employment landscape, serving as key drivers of innovation, job creation, and poverty reduction.
The government’s annual budget plays a critical role in shaping the policy environment that influences the growth and sustainability of SMEs and entrepreneurial ventures across the country.
This article explores the 2026 national budget as presented by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, with a particular focus on the measures and provisions aimed at supporting SMEs and fostering entrepreneurship development.
Through an in-depth case study of Big Joe Organic Waakye, an indigenous food business based in Tema, the study offers practical insights into how national budgetary policies translate to the grassroots level.
It examines the relevance, accessibility, and impact of initiatives such as financial incentives, capacity-building, infrastructure support, and market access for SME operators.
This approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of the alignment between policy frameworks and the real challenges faced by Ghanaian entrepreneurs in their daily business operations, highlighting opportunities to further enhance SME development within the national economic agenda.
Background and case profile
Big Joe Organic Waakye operates from Tema Community 7 and specialises in organic waakye alongside a variety of health-focused food products.
The business has built a strong reputation for maintaining high-quality standards, offering innovative corporate packaging, and achieving consistent growth despite challenges typical for SMEs in Ghana, such as limited financing options, fluctuating market demand, and infrastructural issues.
Uniquely, Big Joe Organic Waakye operates mostly online, accessible via their website (https://www.bigjoes.org/) and their digital portal (https://linktr.ee/Bigjoesplace).
They are available on popular delivery platforms like Bolt Food and Hubtel, enhancing their reach and convenience for customers.
The business also employs a comprehensive integrated marketing communications strategy that includes radio, television, online portals, social media, and interpersonal communication to engage customers effectively and build brand loyalty.
This model positions Big Joe Organic Waakye as a successful indigenous business and a pioneer in blending traditional food services with modern digital marketing and e-commerce platforms, offering a prime example for assessing how government budgets and policies translate into practical support for innovative SMEs thriving within Ghana’s evolving economic ecosystem (Big Joe Organic Waakye, 2025).
2026 Budget overview and SMEs support measures
The 2026 budget places strong emphasis on promoting economic stability, job creation, and inclusive development across Ghana.
A core focus of the budget is the implementation of targeted measures to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), recognising their critical role in driving growth and employment. Key among these initiatives are skill development programmes such as Adwumawura, which has been allocated GH¢170 million, and the National Apprenticeship Program with a budget of GH¢690 million.
These programs aim to provide SMEs with a well-trained and competent workforce, particularly in sectors like agriculture and manufacturing, which are vital to businesses such as Big Joe Organic Waakye.
Furthermore, the budget prioritises improving SMEs’ access to affordable finance, easing tax compliance requirements, and expanding technical and vocational training opportunities.
By addressing these areas, the government seeks to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of SMEs, enabling them to contribute more effectively to economic diversification and job creation.
These policy directions underscore a comprehensive approach to strengthening the SME ecosystem in Ghana (Myjoyonline, 2025; BFT Online, 2025).
Evaluation of 2025 Budget implementation
Reflecting on the previous fiscal year, there was notable progress in addressing liquidity constraints faced by SMEs through the introduction of targeted credit facilities and economic stimulus packages.
These financial interventions aimed to provide much-needed capital to small and medium-sized businesses, helping them navigate cash flow difficulties and invest in growth opportunities. Despite these efforts, the overall impact was tempered by persistent challenges such as inconsistent policy implementation across regions and sectors, which created uncertainty for entrepreneurs.
Additionally, infrastructural inadequacies, including unreliable power supply and limited access to modern logistics, continued to pose significant barriers to SME development.
The experience of Big Joe Organic Waakye exemplifies how indigenous SMEs demonstrate resilience and innovative adaptation strategies to thrive despite such obstacles.
Through leveraging local knowledge, efficient resource use, and strategic community engagement, the business has managed to sustain growth in a complex and sometimes unpredictable national economic environment.
This case highlights both the potential of SMEs and the need for more coordinated, consistent government support to maximise their contribution to Ghana’s economy (GNA, 2023; Myjoyonline, 2025).
Implications for indigenous SMEs like Big Joe Organic Waakye
The skills and training initiatives outlined in Ghana’s 2026 budget are designed to significantly enhance labour productivity and operational capacity for SMEs like Big Joe Organic Waakye.
Programs such as Adwumawura and the National Apprenticeship Program, which receive substantial funding, aim to equip businesses with a skilled workforce tailored to key sectors, including agriculture and manufacturing.
These initiatives are expected to facilitate formal apprenticeship schemes that provide hands-on training, boosting both technical expertise and business management skills among SME employees.
Moreover, the budget’s improved tax structure, including the removal of burdensome levies, alongside increased social spending on education and health, creates a more supportive environment for entrepreneurship.
Expanded access to finance, one-stop platforms for business registration and licensing, and the harmonisation of regulatory frameworks are additional measures expected to reduce bureaucratic barriers and increase SME competitiveness.
For Big Joe Organic Waakye, these policies could translate into improved scalability, sustainability, and the ability to capitalise on emerging market opportunities within Ghana’s evolving economic landscape (EY Tax News, 2025; Myjoyonline, 2025;).
Discussion
Big Joe Organic Waakye exemplifies how grassroots enterprises play a vital role in Ghana’s economic fabric by driving local development, job creation, and promoting cultural heritage.
The 2026 national budget’s emphasis on supporting SMEs aligns well with the potential of such indigenous businesses to contribute significantly to economic diversification and community resilience.
However, the successful implementation of these fiscal measures requires continuous oversight, effective collaboration between government agencies and SMEs, and addressing persistent structural barriers such as infrastructure deficiencies and inconsistent policy enforcement.
Big Joe’s recognition at national and international levels highlights its importance as a thriving local business adapting to the challenges within Ghana’s economic environment.
This case underscores the need for ongoing efforts to harmonise regulations, improve access to finance, and build capacity through skills development programs.
By fostering stronger partnerships and accountability mechanisms, the government can help maximise the positive impact of budgetary provisions, enabling SMEs like Big Joe Organic Waakye to scale sustainably and contribute more broadly to inclusive economic growth (BFT Online, 2025;).
Conclusion
The 2026 Ghana budget demonstrates a comprehensive and forward-looking approach to supporting SMEs and entrepreneurship, aiming to foster economic stability, innovation, and inclusive growth.
For indigenous enterprises like Big Joe Organic Waakye, the budget’s provisions could significantly enhance access to essential resources such as skills development, financing, and market opportunities.
Key initiatives include targeted funding for vocational training programs, a substantial increase in the VAT registration threshold to reduce tax burdens, and the repeal of the COVID-19 health levy, all of which collectively improve cash flow and operational efficiency for SMEs.
Furthermore, government efforts to digitalise tax compliance and facilitate easier access to credit reflect a commitment to creating a more enabling business environment.
For Big Joe Organic Waakye, these policies present opportunities to scale operations, improve workforce capacity, and strengthen competitiveness in local and regional markets.
Realising the potential of these fiscal measures requires synchronised alignment between policy and practice, continuous government engagement, and robust collaboration with SME stakeholders.
Successful implementation will ensure SMEs remain central to Ghana’s broader economic transformation and growth story in the coming years (Myjoyonline, 2025; BFT Online, 2025;).
By Ian Tabalor Okwei
The writer is the Chief Operating Officer of Big Joe’s Place, a Development Communication Strategist, and is currently studying MSc International Business Management, Teeside University
Kojookwei @gmail.com
