Ghana's 2026 mid-year budget review will provide Parliament with updates on major infrastructure projects and outline measures to improve value for money in public spending. Dr. Theophilius Acheampong, Technical Advisor at the Ministry of Finance, confirmed this development ahead of the finance minister's presentation to Parliament. The review will focus on the progress of key government initiatives while also introducing reforms to strengthen monitoring, compliance, and accountability in the use of public funds.
The government's commitment to enhancing public expenditure quality comes amid acknowledged concerns regarding the state of public infrastructure. Dr. Acheampong specifically cited the poor condition of many roads, noting that one can "barely drive one or two kilometres without seeing some major pothole." This reflects broader challenges with public expenditure and the need for greater value from investments. The upcoming review aims to address these issues by providing transparency on project progress and implementing stricter oversight.
This initiative aligns with Ghana's ongoing efforts to optimize its economic resources and ensure sustainable development. The country has historically faced challenges in infrastructure development and maintenance, often leading to public dissatisfaction and economic inefficiencies. By focusing on value for money, the government seeks to maximize the impact of every cedi spent, contributing to a more robust and resilient national economy. This move is critical for maintaining fiscal discipline and achieving long-term growth targets.
Dr. Acheampong stated that the Mid-year Budget Review will specifically update Parliament on several flagship infrastructure projects. These include the Accra-Kumasi Expressway, various regional road developments, and agricultural enclave roads. He emphasized that the World Bank-supported agricultural roads programme is particularly important, as improved road networks will facilitate the movement of food from farms to markets, helping to ease inflationary pressures on consumers.
Beyond project updates, Dr. Acheampong stressed the government's increased emphasis on ensuring contractors deliver quality work that matches public investment. He expressed concern about the short lifespan of some recently constructed roads, noting that roads built today often deteriorate within five years, compared to the 25 to 30 years expected in the past. This highlights a critical need for improved engineering standards and stricter adherence to contractual agreements.
The government is strengthening enforcement and compliance measures to ensure that every cedi allocated to public projects delivers the intended results. Dr. Acheampong explained, "We're doing quite a lot of work now, actually, on the enforcement and then the compliance side." This proactive approach aims to prevent wastage and ensure that public funds are utilized effectively for durable infrastructure. The reforms are designed to instill greater accountability across all stages of project implementation.
A key reform introduced this year is the establishment of the Office for Value for Money. This new office will scrutinize major government expenditure to ensure the prudent use of public resources. Its mandate is to rigorously assess projects and spending, ensuring that the public receives optimal returns on investments. This institutional change underscores the government's commitment to fiscal responsibility and efficient resource allocation, which is vital for Ghana's economic stability and growth.
The mid-year budget review will therefore be a crucial document for stakeholders, offering insights into the government's infrastructure agenda and its strategy for improving public financial management. Investors, businesses, and citizens will closely watch the details, particularly concerning the progress of key projects and the effectiveness of the new value-for-money initiatives. The successful implementation of these reforms could significantly enhance Ghana's infrastructure landscape and bolster public confidence in government spending.