Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has firmly defended the government’s decision not to introduce any new taxes in the 2027 fiscal year, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to prudent financial management and enhanced support for social intervention programmes.
During an appearance on the Citi Breakfast Show on Friday, November 13, Dr. Forson explained that the government’s top priority is to improve livelihoods by channeling resources into programmes that directly benefit citizens and investing in sectors that will strengthen Ghana’s economic foundations.
When asked whether the ability to settle outstanding payments without new taxes indicated a surplus of financial resources, Dr. Forson was clear: “We are living within our means.”
Addressing concerns that Ghanaians were not yet feeling the impact of improved finances, the Finance Minister pointed to direct support being provided through key social intervention initiatives. He highlighted the significant increase in allocations for the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme in the 2027 Budget, which will receive GH¢2.1 billion, nearly double the GH¢1.1 billion allocated under the previous administration.
Dr. Forson also noted that the government has maintained and promptly disbursed payments for nursing and teacher trainee allowances, reaffirming its commitment to supporting essential sectors.
Youth employment remains a focal point, with the allocation to the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) set to jump from about GH¢600 million in 2026 to GH¢2 billion in 2027. Dr. Forson explained that this boost would help the agency expand job opportunities and introduce more programmes to tackle youth unemployment.
Alongside social interventions, the Minister underscored the government’s continued investment in infrastructure and productive sectors, all aimed at transforming Ghana’s economic structure. The broader objective, he stressed, is to enhance the economy’s capacity to generate sustainable jobs and income, rather than relying solely on short-term relief measures.
Dr. Forson’s remarks reflect a government balancing fiscal discipline with targeted social investments, as it charts a course toward long-term economic resilience.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com