The government has announced that the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy is designed to create up to 800,000 new jobs across various sectors of the economy.
Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson announced on Thursday, November 13, while presenting the 2026 Budget to Parliament.
Dr Forson explained that the government’s flagship infrastructure and industrial initiatives will serve as key drivers of employment creation.
He revealed that GH¢63 billion worth of road contracts awarded under the Big Push initiative are expected to generate an estimated 490,000 jobs, consistent with World Bank metrics on employment from road investments.
The Finance Minister added that three new garment factories being established under the government’s industrialisation agenda will create over 20,000 direct jobs.
Additionally, seven new agro-processing plants are projected to employ about 700 people directly, while generating thousands more jobs indirectly through their supply chains.
Dr Forson also highlighted the National Policy on Integrated Oil Palm Development, spanning 2026 to 2032, which is expected to generate approximately 250,000 jobs across the oil palm value chain.
The ongoing establishment of Farmer Service Centres nationwide will further provide employment opportunities in machinery operation, maintenance, logistics, and other support services.
“These investments are not isolated; they are part of an integrated national effort to turn stability into jobs and growth,” Dr Forson stated.
To strengthen the private sector, which he described as the engine of job creation, the Minister announced that the government has recapitalised the National Investment Bank (NIB) and plans to recapitalise the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) and Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG) with GH¢1 billion before the end of 2025.
He further noted that GH¢401 million has been allocated to the Women’s Development Bank to provide affordable financing to small businesses and entrepreneurs, particularly women traders and market operators.
The facility is expected to support business owners such as Lamisi Adam, Priscilla Yovu, and Caroline Sfeir, whom Dr Forson met during engagements at the Takoradi Market Circle and Kotokoraba Market.
The 2026 Budget, according to the Finance Minister, reflects the government’s integrated approach to translating economic stability and investment into sustainable job creation, inclusive growth, and enhanced private sector participation.
