Ato Forson presents 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review in Parliament
via GhanaWeb4 min read
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minister of Finance, presented the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review to Parliament on Thursday, July 23, 2026. This presentation is a statutory requirement under Section 28 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 Act 921. The review provides Parliament with an update on Ghana's economic performance during the first half of the year and outlines the government's fiscal strategy for the remainder of 2026. It is expected to assess economic management over the past six months, including revenue mobilization, public expenditure, debt servicing, and the country's overall fiscal position. Dr. Forson is also anticipated to detail the government's policy direction for the second half of the year and announce potential adjustments to the 2026 Budget based on prevailing economic conditions.
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Ghana's Parliament experienced a charged atmosphere following the presentation of the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson on July 23, 2026. The Minority Caucus, dressed in black, chanted 'Free Wontumi!' in support of Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party. In response, the Majority chanted 'Bring Ken back!' The Minority also hit their tables with books as tensions escalated on the floor. The Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review is a requirement under Ghana's public financial management laws, providing updates on the economy, government revenue and expenditure, debt servicing, and the fiscal outlook for the rest of 2026.
Albert Akozua, the primary suspect in the 2023 Ablekuma bullion van robbery that resulted in the death of Corporal Callistus Amoah, has been killed by police. According to journalist Saddick Adams, Akozua was shot and killed after attempting to escape following his arrest in Kperi Kisanaba Binaba, Upper East Region. Police traced Akozua from Accra to his hideout. After his arrest, he reportedly agreed to help police retrieve two other guns used in the attack and locate other suspects. During this process, he attempted to flee and was shot, later succumbing to his injuries at a health facility. Corporal Amoah, 28, was shot multiple times by four men on motorbikes during an attack on a bullion van at a StarOil Filling Station in Ablekuma Fanmilk on June 22, 2023. The robbers escaped with a bag from the van. CCTV footage and amateur videos captured the incident.
Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, Ranking Member on Parliament鈥檚 Finance Committee and Member of Parliament for Karaga, criticized Ghana's government following the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review presented by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson. Dr Amin Adam, a former Finance Minister, stated that the review exposed the government's failure to fulfill its promises and provide meaningful solutions to the country's economic challenges. He argued that the figures presented contradicted the government's attempts to project success, indicating that the government's economic narrative had shifted due to unavoidable realities. Dr Amin Adam described the budget as lacking substance, containing insufficient policies or programs to significantly improve the lives of ordinary Ghanaians. He accused the government of resorting to a "blame game" by consistently blaming the previous administration since assuming office in 2025, rather than focusing on delivering on its campaign commitments. He urged the government to prioritize delivering results over explanations, emphasizing that citizens expect action after voting for change.