Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has announced that the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy is designed to create up to 800,000 new jobs across multiple sectors of the economy.
Presenting the budget to Parliament on Thursday, November 13, Dr. Forson explained that the government’s flagship infrastructure and industrial projects will serve as the main drivers of employment creation.
He revealed that GH¢63 billion worth of road contracts awarded under the Big Push initiative are expected to generate around 490,000 jobs, based on World Bank metrics for employment from road investments.
The Minister further disclosed that three new garment factories under the government’s industrialisation agenda will create over 20,000 direct jobs, while seven new agro-processing plants are projected to employ about 700 people directly, with thousands more benefiting indirectly through supply chains.
Dr. Forson also highlighted that the National Policy on Integrated Oil Palm Development, spanning 2026 to 2032, is expected to generate approximately 250,000 jobs across the oil palm value chain.
Additionally, the ongoing rollout of Farmer Service Centres nationwide will 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,” he said.
To further support the private sector, which he described as the engine of job creation, Dr. Forson announced that the government has recapitalised the National Investment Bank (NIB) and will inject GH¢1 billion into the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) and Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG) before the end of 2025.
He also revealed 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.
Dr. Forson noted that the facility will directly benefit business owners such as Lamisi Adam, Priscilla Yovu, and Caroline Sfeir, whom he met during engagements at the Takoradi Market Circle and Kotokoraba Market.
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