Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has revealed that the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy is designed to generate up to 800,000 new jobs across multiple sectors of the Ghanaian economy.
He made the announcement on Thursday, November 13, while presenting the budget to Parliament.
Dr. Forson explained that the government’s flagship infrastructure and industrial programmes will be key drivers of employment creation. He noted that the GH¢63 billion in road contracts awarded under the Big Push initiative alone is expected to create around 490,000 jobs, based on World Bank metrics for employment from road investments.
Under the industrialisation agenda, three new garment factories will provide over 20,000 direct jobs, while seven agro-processing plants are projected to employ about 700 people directly and thousands more indirectly through their supply chains.
The Minister also highlighted the National Policy on Integrated Oil Palm Development (2026–2032), which is expected to generate 250,000 jobs across the oil palm value chain. In addition, the rollout of Farmer Service Centres nationwide will employ thousands in machinery operation, maintenance, logistics, and support services.
“These investments are not isolated; they are part of an integrated national effort to turn stability into jobs and growth,” Dr. Forson said.
To support private sector-led job creation, 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.
Dr. Forson further announced that GH¢401 million has been allocated to the Women’s Development Bank, providing affordable financing for small businesses and entrepreneurs, especially women traders and market operators.
He cited business owners like Lamisi Adam, Priscilla Yovu, and Caroline Sfeir, whom he met during visits to Takoradi Market Circle and Kotokoraba Market, as beneficiaries of the facility.
