The Iustum Center for Democracy and Governance (ICEDEG Africa LBG) has submitted a set of policy recommendations to the Ministry of Finance ahead of the presentation of the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review to Parliament on Thursday, July 23, 2026.
The recommendations were presented by the Executive Secretary of ICEDEG Africa, Ellen Ofosu Asieduaa, as part of the organisation’s efforts to promote evidence-based policymaking and deepen stakeholder participation in Ghana’s fiscal governance process.
The proposals emerged from ICEDEG Africa’s maiden Policy Dialogue Roundtable held on June 19, 2026, under the theme: “Economic Confidence and Fiscal Expectations: Stakeholder Perspectives Ahead of Ghana’s 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review.”
The dialogue brought together representatives from business and industry associations, trade unions, consumer advocacy groups, academia, civil society organisations, media institutions, as well as financial and economic analysts to discuss expectations for the mid-year fiscal policy review.
In a communiqué submitted to the Ministry of Finance, participants acknowledged recent improvements in Ghana’s macroeconomic indicators but noted that many households and businesses were yet to experience meaningful economic relief.
The stakeholders described the situation as the “Two Ghanas” paradox, where positive macroeconomic performance has not translated into lower living costs, reduced production expenses, or improved economic conditions for ordinary citizens and businesses.
Among the key recommendations was the introduction of Diaspora Investment Bonds to mobilise resources for community-level infrastructure development projects across the country.
The group also proposed the creation of a dedicated Climate Budgeting Line to support renewable energy programmes and climate-related interventions, while urging government to ensure the timely release of statutory funds, including allocations to the Human Trafficking Fund.
Additionally, the communiqué called for increased investment in local agricultural engineering and the establishment of agro-industrial parks to promote value addition and strengthen Ghana’s agricultural value chain.
Stakeholders further advocated enhanced support for the media sector through improved funding for the National Media Commission and a review of taxes and restrictions affecting media advertising and operations.
ICEDEG Africa expressed optimism that the recommendations would receive favourable consideration and contribute to a Mid-Year Budget Review that addresses the practical concerns of households and businesses while supporting sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
The Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, is expected to present the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review to Parliament on July 23
