The Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has stated that the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy aim to create up to 800,000 new jobs in various sectors of the economy.
While presenting the budget to Parliament on Thursday, November 13, Dr. Forson explained that the government’s key infrastructure and industrial projects will be the main sources of job creation.
He mentioned that contracts worth GH¢63 billion for road projects under the Big Push initiative are expected to create around 490,000 jobs, according to World Bank standards for employment from road investments.
The Minister also shared that three new garment factories under the government’s industrialization plan will generate over 20,000 direct jobs, and seven new agro-processing plants are anticipated to employ about 700 people directly, with many more benefiting indirectly through supply chains.
Dr. Forson pointed out that the National Policy on Integrated Oil Palm Development, which runs from 2026 to 2032, is projected to create around 250,000 jobs throughout the oil palm value chain.
Moreover, the ongoing establishment of Farmer Service Centres across the country will offer job opportunities in machinery operation, maintenance, logistics, and other support services.
“These investments are interconnected; they are part of a comprehensive national strategy to transform stability into jobs and growth,” he stated.
To further assist the private sector, which he referred to as the engine of job creation, Dr. Forson announced that the government has recapitalized the National Investment Bank (NIB) and will inject GH¢1 billion into the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) and Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG) by the end of 2025.
He also disclosed that GH¢401 million has been set aside for the Women’s Development Bank to offer affordable financing to small businesses and entrepreneurs, especially 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.