Ghana’s 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review: What the Evidence Shows
A claim-by-claim review separating verified facts, government promises and implementation gaps in Ghana’s 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review.
Ghana’s 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review presents a broad account of the Government’s economic direction, spending priorities and progress on major political commitments. However, a budget statement can confirm that money was allocated, released or promised without necessarily proving that the intended programme has been fully implemented or that citizens have received the expected benefits.
This Be-Apuo Media investigation reviewed the claims attached to the Mid-Year Budget project against official government publications, parliamentary records, manifesto commitments and other available evidence. The central finding is mixed but important: many of the Government’s statements are supported as official announcements, allocations or policy commitments, while several major implementation claims still require beneficiary-level, payroll, procurement, deployment and expenditure records.
How to read the findings
A claim rated true means that the cited evidence supports the specific statement being examined. It does not automatically mean that an announced programme has been fully implemented or that every intended beneficiary has received the promised support.
For example, financial clearance is not the same as recruitment. Recruitment is not the same as deployment. A budget allocation is not the same as a cash release, and a cash release is not necessarily proof that the money reached its final beneficiaries or produced the intended outcome.
Where the evidence confirms only an announcement or policy commitment, this review treats it as such. The absence of complete implementation records is not proof that a programme has failed; it means the programme should not yet be described as fully delivered.
The Government maintained its main fiscal targets
The review confirmed that the 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review was presented under the requirements of Ghana’s Public Financial Management Act. The Government also stated that it was not seeking a supplementary estimate and that the approved 2026 appropriation remained unchanged.
The Government maintained several major economic targets, including overall real GDP growth of at least 4.8%, non-oil real GDP growth of at least 4.9%, a primary surplus of 1.5% of GDP on a commitment basis, and end-year inflation of 8%, within a tolerance band of plus or minus two percentage points. It also reaffirmed a gross international reserves target sufficient to cover at least three months of imports.
These figures are confirmed as official targets. They should not yet be presented as achieved outcomes because the financial year is still ongoing and final performance data will be required.
Healthcare: evidence of progress, but important gaps remain
Healthcare employment and rural access emerged as major areas of government activity. An official Ministry of Health statement reported that 13,500 nurses had been integrated into the government payroll as of 3 September 2025. President John Dramani Mahama was also reported to have announced financial clearance for the recruitment of 16,000 health workers in two phases of 8,000, with a significant proportion intended for underserved communities.
The Health Minister further stated that the Government would deploy 700 medical doctors under the 2026 health budget. These records establish payroll progress, financial clearance and deployment commitments. They do not, by themselves, provide the total number of eligible unemployed health workers, the number who have received appointment letters, the facilities to which they have been assigned, their reporting dates or the number who are actively working and receiving salaries.
The NDC’s 2024 manifesto also promised healthcare workers posted to rural and underserved areas a special allowance equal to 20% of their basic salary, together with shorter qualifying periods for promotion and study leave. The Health Minister later discussed financial and non-financial incentives, accelerated promotions, scholarships and specialist-training opportunities for rural postings.
The policy direction is therefore confirmed. What remains unproven is whether the specific 20% allowance has been approved through the necessary administrative instruments, funded, operationalised and paid to eligible workers.
The Government also committed to clearing trainee allowances on time. That commitment is verified, but complete implementation would require records showing the amount appropriated, the payment period, the number of eligible trainees, outstanding arrears and whether beneficiaries were paid in full and on schedule.
Agriculture: allocations and programmes are visible, outcomes are not yet complete
The Mid-Year Review reported that GH¢1.1 billion had been paid to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture for flagship programmes, including fertiliser and certified-seed distribution, Feed Ghana and irrigation infrastructure. The Government also allocated GH¢581.4 million to establish 50 Farmer Service Centres and GH¢244.9 million to the Poultry Farm-to-Table Project.
These allocations demonstrate substantial policy attention to food production, agricultural mechanisation and poultry development. However, an allocation does not establish that all centres have been constructed, equipped and opened, or that poultry farmers have received financing, birds, feed, veterinary support and guaranteed markets.
The Government’s Youth in Cocoa Farming Initiative targets 20,000 young people and 100,000 hectares of cocoa farmland. The programme announcement is verified, as is the earlier manifesto commitment to support young people and cocoa-farm owners in reviving abandoned farms.
What remains necessary is implementation evidence showing enrolment, land secured, hectares cultivated, inputs distributed, regional participation, expenditure and measurable cocoa-production outcomes.
The NDC manifesto also promised to reintroduce the Cocoa Price Stabilisation Fund, free fertiliser distribution, improved seedlings and other agricultural inputs. These are confirmed manifesto commitments. Their fulfilment must be assessed separately through legislation, funding, operational records and proof of delivery to farmers.
Teachers and education workers: the promises are clear
The NDC’s education commitments include a 20% rural allowance for teachers, the Teacher Dabre accommodation initiative, timely promotions with corresponding remuneration, support for teachers to acquire vehicles, student loans and scholarships, and the prompt employment of newly qualified teachers.
The manifesto also promised to scrap mandatory national service for teacher-trainee graduates and integrate teacher licensing into final-year examinations rather than maintaining a separate licensure examination.
The investigation confirms that these promises were made. It does not yet establish that all have been implemented. Verification will require official directives, budget releases, eligibility rules, appointment and promotion records, accommodation projects, payment schedules and evidence from affected teachers and trainees.
Procurement claims require greater precision
The evidence does not support the broad claim that the Government has ended sole-source procurement and now awards all major contracts through open competitive tendering.
The Roads and Highways Minister stated that 44% of major contracts under the Big Push Programme had been awarded through sole sourcing. The Public Procurement Authority was also reported to have refused The Fourth Estate access to certain road-sector procurement approval records connected to the programme.
These findings do not, by themselves, establish that the contracts were unlawful. They do show that claims suggesting the complete elimination of sole sourcing are inaccurate. The NDC’s campaign commitment was broader than what current procurement practice demonstrates.
VAT reform does not guarantee an automatic 1.9% fall in every price
The 2026 Budget estimated that VAT reforms would return approximately GH¢5.7 billion to businesses and households. That estimate is confirmed as an official government projection.
However, the claim that the price of every good and service in Ghana will automatically fall by 1.9% is misleading. Final prices are influenced by production costs, exchange rates, transportation, margins, competition, compliance and the extent to which businesses pass tax savings to consumers.
The reforms may reduce the tax burden in parts of the economy, but they do not mechanically guarantee an identical price reduction across every product and service.
Major social programmes must be separated from exaggerated claims
The 2026 Budget allocated GH¢2.3 billion to the Ghana Medical Care Trust Fund, commonly known as MahamaCares. The allocation is verified. The broader claim that MahamaCares already pays the full treatment cost of every Ghanaian living with a chronic disease is not supported by the available evidence and overstates the programme’s present scope.
Similar caution applies to claims that the Women’s Development Bank has been fully established and has already financed at least one million women, that the 24-Hour Economy programme has already created more than 1.7 million jobs, and that the Government has fully fulfilled its promise to pay the academic fees of every first-year student in every public tertiary institution.
The available evidence indicates policy development, allocations, launches or partial implementation in these areas. It does not establish the sweeping level of completion suggested by those public claims.
What the budget means for households
For households, the Mid-Year Review contains potentially significant measures: expanded health-worker recruitment, rural-service incentives, agricultural support, trainee allowances, teacher benefits, healthcare financing and tax reforms.
The practical effect will depend on execution. A household benefits only when the health worker reports to the local facility, the trainee receives the allowance, the farmer receives inputs, the teacher receives the promised incentive, the patient gains access to treatment and tax reforms translate into lower costs or improved income.
The next stage of accountability must therefore move beyond announcements and budget headings. Government institutions should publish detailed records covering releases, procurement, beneficiary selection, payroll placement, deployment, regional distribution, project completion and measurable outcomes.
Conclusion
The evidence does not support a simple conclusion that every government claim is either entirely fulfilled or entirely false. The record shows genuine allocations, policy commitments, financial clearances and reported administrative progress. It also shows repeated instances in which announcements are publicly described as completed outcomes before the necessary implementation evidence is available.
Ghana’s 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review should therefore be understood as a progress report, not a final certificate of delivery. The strongest form of accountability is to distinguish what has been promised, what has been budgeted, what has been released, what has been implemented and what citizens have actually received.
Claims & Verdicts
46 claims reviewed
TrueThe Government of Ghana is not seeking a supplementary estimate, and the approved 2026 appropriation remains unchanged.— Ministry of Finance, Ghana
True. The official 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review and Parliament of Ghana’s report confirm that the government did not request a supplementary estimate and that the approved 2026 appropriation remained unchanged. This verdict applies only to that specific budgetary claim and does not assess the government’s broader economic performance.
- Parliament of Ghana reported on 23 July 2026 that Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson told Parliament the government was not seeking a supplementary estimate and that the approved 2026 appropriation remained unchanged. The Ministry of Finance’s Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review is the primary official document for the same presentation.
TrueThe Government of Ghana maintained its 2026 overall real GDP growth target at a minimum of 4.8%.— Ministry of Finance, Ghana
True. Parliament’s official record confirms that the Finance Minister reaffirmed an overall real GDP growth target of at least 4.8% for 2026. This verdict verifies the stated government target, not that Ghana has already achieved 4.8% annual growth.
- Parliament of Ghana’s official report states that the Finance Minister reaffirmed an overall real GDP growth target of at least 4.8% for 2026. The Ministry of Finance’s 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review is the primary source document for the presentation.
TrueThe Government of Ghana reaffirmed its 2026 end-year inflation target at 8%, within a tolerance band of plus or minus 2 percentage points.— Ministry of Finance, Ghana
The official 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review and Parliament of Ghana’s report record that the government reaffirmed an end-year inflation target of 8%, within a tolerance band of plus or minus 2 percentage points. This is a policy target for the end of 2026, not an inflation result already achieved.
- The official 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review and Parliament of Ghana’s report record that the government reaffirmed an end-year inflation target of 8%, within a tolerance band of plus or minus 2 percentage points. This is a policy target for the end of 2026, not an inflation result already achieved.
TrueThe Government of Ghana reaffirmed its 2026 primary surplus target at 1.5% of GDP on a commitment basis.— Ministry of Finance, Ghana
True. Parliament’s official record confirms that the Finance Minister reaffirmed a 2026 primary-surplus target of 1.5% of GDP on a commitment basis. This verdict verifies the stated fiscal target, not that the government has already achieved the surplus.
- Parliament of Ghana’s official report and the 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review record that the government reaffirmed a primary surplus target of 1.5% of GDP on a commitment basis for 2026. This is a fiscal target, not confirmation that the surplus has already been achieved.
TrueThe Government of Ghana reaffirmed its 2026 non-oil real GDP growth target at a minimum of 4.9%.— Ministry of Finance, Ghana
True. Parliament’s official record and the 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review confirm that the government reaffirmed a 2026 non-oil real GDP growth target of at least 4.9%. This verdict verifies the stated policy target, not that Ghana has already achieved 4.9% non-oil growth.
- Parliament of Ghana’s official report and the 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review record that the government reaffirmed a 2026 non-oil real GDP growth target of at least 4.9%. This is a policy target, not confirmation that 4.9% non-oil growth has already been achieved.
TrueThe Government of Ghana reaffirmed its 2026 gross international reserves target at a level sufficient to cover at least three months of imports.— Ministry of Finance, Ghana
True. Parliament’s official record and the 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review confirm that the government reaffirmed a 2026 gross international reserves target sufficient to cover at least three months of imports. This verdict verifies the stated policy target, not that the target has already been achieved.
- Parliament of Ghana’s official report and the 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review record that the government reaffirmed a gross international reserves target sufficient to cover at least three months of imports. This verifies the stated policy target, not that the target has already been achieved.
TrueThe Finance Minister identified three key transformational policy reforms underpinning Ghana’s economic recovery: fiscal correction, modernising the tax regime, and complementary fiscal policy for inflation targeting and exchange-rate stability.— Cassiel Ato Forson, Minister for Finance
True. Parliament’s official record and the 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review confirm that the Finance Minister identified three key policy reforms underpinning the government’s economic recovery programme: fiscal correction, modernisation of the tax regime, and complementary fiscal policy supporting inflation targeting and exchange-rate stability. This verdict verifies that he identified these reforms; it does not independently prove that the reforms have already produced the claimed results.
- Parliament of Ghana’s official report and the 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review identify three policy reforms underpinning the government’s economic recovery programme: fiscal correction, modernisation of the tax regime, and complementary fiscal policy supporting inflation targeting and exchange-rate stability. This verifies that the Finance Minister identified these reforms; it does not independently prove that they have already delivered the claimed recovery.
TrueThe 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review was presented to Parliament under Section 28 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), which requires the review to be presented no later than 31 July each year.— Parliament of Ghana
True. Parliament of Ghana’s official record confirms that the 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review was presented under Section 28 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), which requires the review to be presented no later than 31 July each year. The review was presented on 23 July 2026, before the statutory deadline.
- Parliament of Ghana’s official report states that the 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review was presented under Section 28 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), which requires the review to be presented no later than 31 July each year. The review was presented on 23 July 2026, before the statutory deadline.
TrueParliament was expected to begin debate on the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review on 24 July 2026 and conclude it on 27 July 2026.— Parliament of Ghana
True. Parliament’s official report confirms that, as of 23 July 2026, the House was expected to begin debate on the Mid-Year Budget Review on 24 July and conclude it on 27 July. This verdict verifies the timetable announced at that time, not whether the debate ultimately followed those dates.
- Parliament of Ghana’s official report dated 23 July 2026 stated that the House was expected to begin debate on the Mid-Year Budget Review on Friday, 24 July 2026, and conclude it on Monday, 27 July 2026. This verifies the timetable announced at that time; it does not establish the final debate schedule.
MisleadingParliament of Ghana began debate on the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review on 24 July 2026 and concluded it on 27 July 2026.— Parliaments of Ghana
Misleading. Parliament’s 23 July report said the House was expected to begin debate on 24 July and conclude on 27 July; it did not report that the debate had already occurred. Parliament’s 24 July update then scheduled commentary on the review for 28–30 July. The claim therefore presents an initial timetable as a completed event and omits the subsequent schedule change.
- Parliament’s 23 July 2026 report described 24–27 July as the expected debate timetable; it did not say the debate had already occurred. A later official Parliament update dated 24 July stated that commentary would instead begin on 28 July and conclude on 30 July 2026. The claim therefore converts an initial proposed timetable into an accomplished event and omits the subsequent schedule change.
MixedThe 2026 Budget Statement demonstrates that the NDC government is honoring its major 2024 manifesto commitments.— Be-Apuo Media research hypothesis
Partly true. The 2026 Budget Statement and Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review show that several major NDC 2024 manifesto commitments—including the 24-Hour Economy, the Big Push, the No-Academic-Fee policy, MahamaCares and the Women’s Development Bank—have been incorporated into government policy, funding or early implementation. However, the evidence does not establish that all major commitments have been fully delivered. Some remain at the planning, funding or implementation stage. The claim is therefore supported in part but is too broad if interpreted as complete fulfillment.
- The NDC’s 2024 manifesto promised major initiatives including the 24-Hour Economy, the Big Push, the No-Academic-Fee policy, MahamaCares and the Women’s Development Bank. The 2026 Budget Statement contains these initiatives and reports concrete policy, funding or implementation steps. This demonstrates substantial alignment between the manifesto and the budget. However, inclusion in the budget, an allocation or reported early progress does not prove that every major commitment has been fully honored; several programmes remain ongoing or incomplete.
MisleadingThe NDC government has fully fulfilled its 2024 manifesto promise to pay academic fees for all first-year students in every public tertiary institution.— Unattributed public claim
Misleading. The NDC’s 2024 manifesto promised a No-Academic-Fee policy for first-year students in all public tertiary institutions. Official budget records show substantial implementation and many beneficiaries, but they do not establish that every eligible student in every public institution has been covered or that the commitment has been fully completed. The claim exaggerates documented progress into complete fulfillment.
- The NDC’s 2024 manifesto promised a No-Academic-Fee policy for first-year students in all public tertiary institutions. The 2026 Budget Statement reports that 120,222 first-year students had benefited, while 23,704 applications were still pending validation, and projects that beneficiaries will rise to more than 220,000 in the 2026/2027 academic year. This confirms substantial implementation but does not support the absolute claim that the promise has been fully fulfilled for all eligible students in every public tertiary institution.
MisleadingThe NDC government has fully established the Women’s Development Bank and has already provided low-interest financing to at least one million Ghanaian women.— Unattributed public claim
Misleading. The NDC’s 2024 manifesto promised a Women’s Development Bank offering flexible, low-interest financing to women-owned and women-led businesses, with a goal of economically empowering at least one million Ghanaian women. Official budget records show funding and implementation steps, but they do not establish that the bank has already financed one million women. The claim therefore turns a target and budgetary commitment into completed delivery.
- The NDC’s 2024 manifesto promised to establish a Women’s Development Bank offering flexible, low-interest financing to women-owned and women-led businesses, with the goal of economically empowering at least one million Ghanaian women. The 2026 Budget Statement allocates approximately GH¢401 million to the bank and states that the funding will provide affordable finance. However, the cited official records do not establish that the bank has already provided financing to one million women. The claim therefore exaggerates a manifesto target and budget allocation into completed nationwide delivery.
MisleadingThe 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme has already created more than 1.7 million jobs in Ghana. — Unattributed public claim
Misleading. The official 2026 Budget Statement says the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme has the potential to create more than 1.7 million jobs by 2028. It does not report that these jobs have already been created. The claim therefore misrepresents a future employment projection as an achieved result.
- The official 2026 Budget Statement says the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme entered full implementation with the potential to create more than 1.7 million jobs by 2028. It does not state that those jobs have already been created. The claim therefore converts a future employment projection into an achieved result.
- 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy — Ministry of Finance, Ghanalink
MisleadingMahamaCares now pays the full treatment cost for every Ghanaian living with a chronic disease.— Unattributed public claim
Misleading. The NDC’s 2024 manifesto says MahamaCares will support healthcare costs for people with chronic diseases, while official Ministry of Finance information describes the fund as financing treatment for non-communicable diseases not covered by the NHIS. Neither source says the programme automatically pays every treatment expense for every Ghanaian with a chronic illness. The claim therefore exaggerates both the scope and level of coverage.
- The NDC’s 2024 manifesto promised that MahamaCares would support the cost of healthcare for people with chronic conditions, including kidney failure, cancer, sickle cell disease, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. Official Ministry of Finance information describes the fund as financing treatment for non-communicable diseases not covered by the NHIS. Neither source states that MahamaCares automatically pays 100% of all treatment expenses for every Ghanaian with any chronic disease. The claim therefore exaggerates the programme’s scope and level of coverage.
TrueThe 2026 Budget estimates that its VAT reforms will give back GH¢5.7 billion to businesses and households.— Government of Ghana / Ministry of Finance
True. The 2026 Budget estimates that the government’s VAT reform package will return GH¢5.7 billion in tax benefits to businesses and households. The figure is presented as a projected benefit from measures such as abolishing the COVID-19 levy, permitting additional input-tax deductions, lowering the effective VAT rate and raising the registration threshold. It is an official estimate, not evidence that GH¢5.7 billion has already been paid directly to households and businesses.
- The 2026 Budget states that the government’s combined VAT reforms are expected to give back GH¢5.7 billion to businesses and households. The package includes abolishing the COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy, allowing input-tax deductions for the GETFund and NHIL levies, reducing the effective VAT rate from 21.9% to 20%, and increasing the VAT registration threshold from GH¢200,000 to GH¢750,000. The GH¢5.7 billion figure is an official government estimate, not a direct cash payment or a measured benefit already received.
- 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy — Ministry of Finance, Ghanalink
MisleadingThe 2026 VAT reforms mean the price of every good and service in Ghana will automatically fall by 1.9%.— Unattributed public claim
Misleading. The 2026 VAT reforms reduce the effective VAT rate from 21.9% to 20%, a change of 1.9 percentage points. That does not mean the price of every good and service will automatically fall by 1.9%. Some items may be exempt or treated differently, and final prices also depend on business costs, profit margins, compliance and whether tax savings are passed on to consumers.
- The 2026 VAT reforms reduced the effective VAT rate from 21.9% to 20%, which is a decrease of 1.9 percentage points—not a guarantee that every final price will fall by 1.9%. The reform also includes input-tax deductions, abolition of the COVID-19 levy and a higher VAT-registration threshold. The effect on any particular good or service depends on whether it is taxable, the business’s cost structure and whether the tax savings are passed on to consumers. The claim therefore turns a tax-rate change into an automatic, universal retail-price reduction.
- 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy — Ministry of Finance, Ghanalink
TrueThe 2026 Budget allocated GH¢2.3 billion to the Ghana Medical Care Trust Fund, known as MahamaCares.— Government of Ghana / Ministry of Finance
True. The official 2026 Budget states that GH¢2.3 billion was allocated to the Ghana Medical Care Trust Fund, known as MahamaCares, to support treatment for chronic diseases. The figure refers to a budget allocation and should not be interpreted as proof that the entire amount has already been disbursed or spent.
- The 2026 Budget states that the government allocated GH¢2.3 billion to the Ghana Medical Care Trust, known as MahamaCares, to support Ghanaians battling chronic diseases such as cancer, hypertension, diabetes, stroke and kidney disease. This confirms a budget allocation for the programme; it does not establish that the full amount has already been disbursed or spent.
- 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy — Ministry of Finance, Ghanalink
MisleadingThe NDC promised during the 2024 campaign to completely abolish sole-source procurement in Ghana.— Unattributed public claim
Misleading. The NDC’s 2024 manifesto did not promise to abolish all sole-source procurement. It promised to investigate allegedly illegal sole-sourced contracts, review the Public Procurement Law and establish an Independent Value for Money Office to strengthen scrutiny of major government procurements. The claim incorrectly turns a reform and oversight commitment into a promise of complete abolition.
- The NDC’s 2024 manifesto did not promise to abolish every lawful use of sole-source procurement. It promised to investigate alleged illegal sole-sourced contracts and to review the Public Procurement Law, including establishing an Independent Value for Money Office to scrutinise major government procurements. The claim therefore exaggerates a commitment to reform and oversight into a promise of complete abolition.
- NDC 2024 Manifesto — Resetting Ghana: Jobs | Accountability | Prosperity — National Democratic Congresslink
FalseThe NDC government has ended sole-source procurement and now awards all major government contracts through open competitive tendering. — Unattributed public claim
False. The NDC government has not ended sole-source procurement. An official parliamentary statement disclosed that approximately 44% of the major Big Push contracts were awarded through sole sourcing, while other contracts were awarded through open competitive bidding. The government says the sole-sourced awards complied with procurement law, but this still contradicts the claim that every major contract is now awarded competitively.
- An official parliamentary statement directly contradicts the claim. The Minister for Roads and Highways stated that 44% of the major Big Push contracts were awarded through sole sourcing, while more than 400 contracts were awarded through open competitive bidding. The Minister maintained that the procurement methods complied with the Public Procurement Act. Therefore, the government has not ended sole-source procurement and does not award every major contract through open competition.
- Update on the Implementation of the Big Push Infrastructure Project — Parliament of Ghanalink
TrueThe Minister for Roads and Highways stated that 44% of the major contracts included in the Big Push Programme were awarded through sole sourcing.— Hon. Kwame Governs Agbodza, Minister for Roads and Highways
True. In an official statement to Parliament, the Minister for Roads and Highways said that 44% of the major contracts identified under the Big Push Programme were awarded through sole sourcing. He also stated that more than 400 contracts were awarded through open competitive bidding and maintained that the procurement methods complied with the Public Procurement Act. The 44% figure refers to the number of identified major contracts, not necessarily their share of the programme’s total monetary value.
- In an official statement to Parliament on March 24, 2026, the Minister for Roads and Highways, Hon. Kwame Governs Agbodza, stated that 44% of the major contracts included in the Big Push Programme were awarded by the Ministry through sole sourcing. He also said that more than 400 contracts were awarded through open competitive bidding and maintained that the procurement methods complied with the Public Procurement Act. The 44% refers to the major contracts identified in the programme, not necessarily 44% of their total monetary value or of all government contracts.
- Update on the Implementation of the Big Push Infrastructure Project — Parliament of Ghanalink
TrueThe Public Procurement Authority refused The Fourth Estate access to records of road-sector procurement approval requests connected to the Big Push programme.— The Fourth Estate / Media Foundation for West Africa
True. The Public Procurement Authority declined to provide The Fourth Estate with the requested breakdown of road-sector procurement approval requests connected to the Big Push programme. The refusal remained in place after an internal RTI appeal. The PPA said it does not approve contracts, but the revised request concerned procurement approval requests received by the Authority rather than final contract approvals.
- According to The Fourth Estate, the Public Procurement Authority declined to provide the requested breakdown of road-sector procurement approval requests submitted between January 1, 2025, and February 28, 2026 by the Ghana Highway Authority, Department of Urban Roads and Department of Feeder Roads. The publication reports that the PPA maintained this position after an internal RTI appeal, stating that it does not approve contracts. However, the revised request concerned procurement approval requests received by the Authority, not the final approval of contracts.
- Procurement on Big Push: PPA Refuses to Release Information to The Fourth Estate — The Fourth Estatelink
MixedThe Vice President stated that Ghana's recent economic reforms have strengthened macroeconomic stability and improved investor confidence.— Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Vice President of Ghana
Mixed. The Ministry of Finance report confirms that the Vice President praised recent economic reforms for restoring macroeconomic stability and beginning to produce economic gains. However, the report does not clearly show that she specifically stated that investor confidence had improved. The claim is therefore partly supported, but its investor-confidence component is not firmly established by the cited source.
- The Ministry of Finance’s July 14, 2026 report says the Vice President commended reforms aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability and praised measures that were beginning to yield economic gains. However, the report does not clearly quote or attribute to her the specific claim that the reforms had improved investor confidence. The claim is therefore supported regarding macroeconomic stability but not fully supported regarding investor confidence.
- Vice President Commends Ministry of Finance for Driving Economic Reforms — Ministry of Finance, Ghanalink
TrueThe NDC’s 2024 manifesto promised to abolish the separate teacher licensure examination and integrate teacher licensing into trainees’ final-year examinations.— National Democratic Congress
True. The NDC’s 2024 manifesto explicitly promised to abolish the separate teacher licensure examination and integrate teacher licensing into teacher trainees’ final-year examinations. This verdict confirms the manifesto commitment only; it does not establish that the policy has already been implemented.
- The NDC’s 2024 manifesto states that the party would abolish the separate teacher licensure examination and integrate teacher licensing into the final-year examinations of teacher trainees. This directly supports the claim as a manifesto promise; it does not by itself establish that the policy has already been implemented.
- NDC 2024 Manifesto — Resetting Ghana: Jobs | Accountability | Prosperity — National Democratic Congresslink
TrueThe NDC’s 2024 manifesto promised to scrap mandatory national service for teacher-trainee graduates and ensure the prompt employment of newly qualified teachers.— National Democratic Congress
True. The NDC’s 2024 manifesto promised to scrap mandatory national service for teacher-trainee graduates and ensure the prompt employment of newly qualified teachers. This verdict confirms the manifesto commitment only; it does not establish that the policy has already been implemented.
- The NDC’s 2024 manifesto states that mandatory national service for teacher-trainee graduates would be scrapped and that newly qualified teachers would be employed promptly. This directly supports the claim as a manifesto promise; it does not by itself prove that the policy has already been implemented.
- NDC 2024 Manifesto — Resetting Ghana: Jobs | Accountability | Prosperity — National Democratic Congresslink
TrueThe NDC’s 2024 manifesto promised to priorities the timely promotion of teachers and ensure that funding was available for the corresponding remuneration.— National Democratic Congress
True. The NDC’s 2024 manifesto promised to prioritise the timely promotion of teachers and ensure that funding was available for the corresponding remuneration. This verdict confirms the manifesto commitment only; it does not establish that the promised promotions or related salary adjustments have already been implemented.
- The NDC’s 2024 manifesto states that the party would prioritise the timely promotion of teachers and ensure the availability of funds for their remuneration. This directly supports the claim as a manifesto promise; it does not by itself establish that promotions or related payments have already been implemented.
- NDC 2024 Manifesto — Resetting Ghana: Jobs | Accountability | Prosperity — National Democratic Congresslink
TrueThe NDC’s 2024 manifesto promised to institute the Teacher Dabrɛ Project to provide accommodation facilities for teachers within new and existing school buildings.— National Democratic Congress
True. The NDC’s 2024 manifesto promised to establish the Teacher Dabrɛ Project to provide accommodation facilities for teachers within new and existing school buildings. This verdict confirms the manifesto commitment only; it does not establish that the project has already been launched or implemented.
- The NDC’s 2024 manifesto promises to institute the Teacher Dabrɛ Project to provide accommodation facilities for teachers within new and existing school buildings. This directly supports the claim as a manifesto commitment; it does not by itself establish that the project has already been launched or implemented.
- NDC 2024 Manifesto — Resetting Ghana: Jobs | Accountability | Prosperity — National Democratic Congresslink
TrueThe NDC’s 2024 manifesto promised to pay teachers posted to rural and underserved communities a special allowance equal to 20% of their basic salary.— National Democratic Congress
True. The NDC’s 2024 manifesto promised to pay teachers posted to rural and underserved communities a special allowance equal to 20% of their basic salary. This verdict confirms the manifesto commitment only; it does not establish that the allowance has already been introduced or paid.
- The NDC’s 2024 manifesto promises to pay teachers posted to rural and underserved communities a special allowance equal to 20% of their basic salary. This directly supports the claim as a manifesto commitment; it does not by itself establish that the allowance has already been introduced or paid.
- NDC 2024 Manifesto — Resetting Ghana: Jobs | Accountability | Prosperity — National Democratic Congresslink
TrueThe NDC’s 2024 manifesto promised to provide allowances, student loans, scholarships and other funding options for teachers and nurses.
True. The NDC’s 2024 manifesto promised to provide allowances, student loans, scholarships and other funding options for teachers and nurses. This verdict confirms the manifesto commitment only; it does not establish that these support measures have already been introduced or made available.
- The NDC’s 2024 manifesto promises to provide allowances, student loans, scholarships and other funding options for teachers and nurses. This directly supports the claim as a manifesto commitment; it does not by itself establish that these financial-support measures have already been introduced or made available.
- NDC 2024 Manifesto — Resetting Ghana: Jobs | Accountability | Prosperity — National Democratic Congresslink
TrueThe NDC’s 2024 manifesto promised to establish a scheme to help teachers own vehicles of their choice through flexible duty-payment arrangements and employer guarantees.— National Democratic Congress
True. The NDC’s 2024 manifesto promised to establish a scheme to help teachers own vehicles of their choice through flexible duty-payment arrangements and employer guarantees, working with teacher unions and financial institutions. This verdict confirms the manifesto commitment only; it does not establish that the scheme has already been launched or made available.
- The NDC’s 2024 manifesto promises to establish a scheme to help teachers own vehicles of their choice through flexible duty-payment arrangements and employer guarantees, in collaboration with teacher unions and financial institutions. This directly supports the claim as a manifesto commitment; it does not by itself establish that the scheme has already been introduced or made available.
- NDC 2024 Manifesto — Resetting Ghana: Jobs | Accountability | Prosperity — National Democratic Congresslink
TrueThe NDC’s 2024 manifesto promised to revamp Ghana’s poultry industry by incentivising poultry farmers and promoting the consumption of locally produced poultry.— National Democratic Congress
True. The NDC’s 2024 manifesto promised to revamp Ghana’s poultry industry by incentivizing poultry farmers and promoting the consumption of locally produced poultry. This verdict confirms the manifesto commitment only; it does not establish that the promised support has already been funded, launched or delivered to farmers.
- The NDC’s 2024 manifesto promises to revamp Ghana’s poultry industry by providing incentives to poultry farmers and promoting the consumption of locally produced poultry. This directly supports the claim as a manifesto commitment; it does not by itself establish that the promised support has already been funded, launched or reached poultry farmers.
- NDC 2024 Manifesto — Resetting Ghana: Jobs | Accountability | Prosperity — National Democratic Congresslink
TrueThe Government allocated GH¢244.9 million in the 2026 Budget for the Poultry Farm-to-Table Project.— Government of Ghana / Ministry of Finance
True. The 2026 Budget Statement allocated GH¢244,985,117—approximately GH¢244.9 million—to the Poultry Farm-to-Table Project. This verdict confirms the budget allocation only; it does not establish that the entire amount was released, spent or delivered to poultry farmers.
- The 2026 Budget Statement’s expenditure-allocation table lists GH¢244,985,117 for the Poultry Farm-to-Table Project, equivalent to approximately GH¢244.9 million. This directly supports the claim that the amount was allocated in the budget; it does not by itself prove that the funds were released or spent.
- 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy — Ministry of Finance, Ghanalink
MixedThe Deputy Finance Minister stated that the Government had released GH¢1.677 billion, representing 85% of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture’s approved 2026 Goods and Services and capital-expenditure budget.— Thomas Nyarko Ampem, Deputy Minister for Finance
Mixed. The Deputy Finance Minister stated that the Government had released 85% of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture’s approved 2026 Goods and Services and capital-expenditure budget. However, the amount released was GH¢1.677 billion—not GH¢6.7 billion. The percentage is accurate, but the monetary figure is substantially overstated.
- The Ministry of Finance’s official report quotes Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem as stating that the Government released GH¢1.677 billion, representing 85% of MoFA’s approved 2026 Goods and Services and capital-expenditure budget. The claim correctly states the 85% figure but incorrectly reports the amount as GH¢6.7 billion—an overstatement of approximately GH¢5.023 billion.
TrueThe Government allocated GH¢581.4 million in 2026 to establish 50 Farmer Service Centres to improve mechanisation and agricultural productivity.— Thomas Nyarko Ampem, Deputy Minister for Finance
True. The Ministry of Finance reported that GH¢581.4 million was allocated in 2026 to establish 50 Farmer Service Centres to improve agricultural mechanisation and productivity. This verdict confirms the allocation only; it does not establish that all 50 centres have been constructed, equipped or made operational.
- The Ministry of Finance reported that GH¢581.4 million had been allocated for the establishment of 50 Farmer Service Centres to support agricultural mechanisation and improve productivity. This supports the allocation claim but does not prove that all 50 centres have been constructed, equipped or opened.
- 85% of MoFA's 2026 Budget Released to Boost Food Production – Deputy Finance Minister — Ministry of Financelink
TrueThe NDC’s 2024 manifesto promised to reintroduce free fertiliser distribution, improved seedlings and agro inputs to cocoa farmers to increase yield.— National Democratic Congress
True. The NDC’s official 2024 manifesto explicitly promised to reintroduce free fertiliser distribution, improved seedlings and agro inputs to cocoa farmers to increase yield.
- The NDC’s official 2024 manifesto states that it will “reintroduce free fertiliser distribution, improved seedlings and agro inputs to cocoa farmers to increase yield.”
- NDC 2024 Manifesto — Resetting Ghana: Jobs | Accountability | Prosperity — National Democratic Congresslink
TrueThe 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review stated that GH¢1.1 billion had been paid to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture for flagship programmes, including fertiliser and certified seed distribution, Feed Ghana and irrigation infrastructure.— Government of Ghana / Ministry of Finance
True. The 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review states that GH¢1.1 billion was paid to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture for flagship programmes, including the National Food Buffer Stock Company, fertiliser and certified seed distribution, Feed Ghana and irrigation projects.
- The 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review reports that GH¢1.1 billion was paid to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture for flagship programmes, including the National Food Buffer Stock Company, fertiliser and certified seed distribution, Feed Ghana and irrigation projects.
- 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review — Ministry of Finance, Ghanalink
TrueThe NDC’s 2024 manifesto promised to initiate a Youth in Cocoa Farming project through a comprehensive support system, including partnerships with cocoa-farm owners to revive and optimise abandoned cocoa farms.— National Democratic Congress
True. The NDC’s official 2024 manifesto promised to initiate a Youth in Cocoa Farming project through a support system that would facilitate partnerships with cocoa-farm owners to revive and optimise abandoned cocoa farms.
- The official NDC 2024 manifesto promises to initiate a Youth in Cocoa Farming project with support for partnerships between young participants and cocoa-farm owners to revive and optimise abandoned cocoa farms.
- NDC 2024 Manifesto — Resetting Ghana: Jobs | Accountability | Prosperity — National Democratic Congresslink
TrueThe Government of Ghana announced a Youth in Cocoa Farming Initiative targeting 20,000 young people to cultivate 100,000 hectares of cocoa farmland and increase annual cocoa production.— Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness, Office of the President
True. The official Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness programme page announces a Youth in Cocoa Farming Initiative targeting 20,000 young people to cultivate 100,000 hectares of cocoa farmland, with the stated aim of increasing Ghana’s annual cocoa yield.
- The official PIAA programme page states that the Youth in Cocoa Farming Initiative aims to engage 20,000 young people across Ghana’s cocoa-growing regions to cultivate 100,000 hectares of cocoa farmland, with a target of increasing Ghana’s annual cocoa yield.
- Youth in Cocoa Farming Initiative — Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness, Office of the Presidentlink
TrueThe NDC’s 2024 manifesto promised to reintroduce the Cocoa Price Stabilization Fund to protect cocoa farmers.— National Democratic Congress
True. Under Cocoa Farmer Welfare and Support, the NDC’s official 2024 manifesto promised to reintroduce the Cocoa Price Stabilization Fund to protect cocoa farmers.
- Under Cocoa Farmer Welfare and Support, the official NDC 2024 manifesto promises to reintroduce the Cocoa Price Stabilization Fund to protect cocoa farmers.
- NDC 2024 Manifesto — Resetting Ghana: Jobs | Accountability | Prosperity — National Democratic Congresslink
TrueThe NDC’s 2024 manifesto promised healthcare workers who accept postings to rural communities and underserved areas a rural allowance equal to 20% of their basic salary, together with shorter service periods for promotion and study leave.— National Democratic Congress
True. The NDC’s official 2024 manifesto promised healthcare workers posted to rural communities and underserved areas a rural allowance equal to 20% of their basic salary, together with shorter qualifying service periods for promotion and study leave.
- The NDC’s official 2024 manifesto promises healthcare workers who accept postings to rural communities and underserved areas a rural allowance equal to 20% of their basic salary, together with shorter qualifying service periods for promotion and study leave.
- NDC 2024 Manifesto — Resetting Ghana: Jobs | Accountability | Prosperity — National Democratic Congresslink
TrueThe NDC’s 2024 manifesto promised to expand health infrastructure to restore the prompt employment and timely deployment of health workers.— National Democratic Congress
True. The NDC’s official 2024 manifesto promised to expand health infrastructure to support the prompt employment and timely deployment of health workers.
- The NDC’s official 2024 manifesto promises to expand health infrastructure to support the prompt employment and timely deployment of health workers.
- NDC 2024 Manifesto — Resetting Ghana: Jobs | Accountability | Prosperity — National Democratic Congresslink
TrueThe Minister for Health stated that 13,500 nurses had been integrated into the government payroll as of 3 September 2025.— Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister for Health
True. In an official Ministry of Health press release dated 3 September 2025, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh stated that 13,500 nurses had been integrated into the government payroll.
- In an official Ministry of Health press release dated 3 September 2025, the Minister for Health stated that 13,500 nurses had been integrated into the government payroll.
- Nurses Leadership Apologised to Health Minister — Ministry of Health, Ghanalink
TrueThe President announced that the Government had granted financial clearance for the recruitment of 16,000 health workers in two phases of 8,000 each, with a significant proportion intended for underserved communities.— John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana
True. An official Ghana Health Service article dated 17 July 2026 reports that President John Dramani Mahama announced financial clearance for the recruitment of 16,000 health workers in two phases of 8,000 each, with a significant proportion intended for underserved communities.
- In an official Ghana Health Service article dated 17 July 2026, President John Dramani Mahama was reported to have announced that financial clearance had been granted for the recruitment of 16,000 health workers in two phases of 8,000 each, with a significant proportion intended for underserved communities.
- GHS Maps Schools, Churches and Mosques into CHPS Zones to Strengthen Preventive Healthcare — Ghana Health Servicelink
TrueThe Minister for Health stated that the Government would deploy 700 medical doctors under the 2026 health budget.— Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister for Health
True. In an official Ministry of Health article on the 2026 health budget, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh stated that the Government would deploy 700 medical doctors.
- In an official Ministry of Health article on the 2026 health budget, the Minister for Health stated that the Government would deploy 700 medical doctors.
- Government Prioritises Healthcare in 2026 Budget – Health Minister — Ministry of Health, Ghanalink
TrueThe Minister for Health stated that the Ministry was considering financial and non-financial incentives, accelerated promotions, scholarships and specialist-training opportunities to encourage health professionals to accept postings to rural and underserved communities.— Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister for Health
True. An official Ghana Health Service article dated 17 July 2026 reports that Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh said the Ministry was considering financial and non-financial incentives, accelerated promotions, scholarships and specialist-training opportunities to encourage health professionals to accept postings to rural and underserved communities.
- In an official Ghana Health Service article dated 17 July 2026, the Minister for Health was reported to have stated that the Ministry was considering financial and non-financial incentives, accelerated promotions, scholarships and specialist-training opportunities to encourage health professionals to accept postings to rural and underserved communities.
- GHS Maps Schools, Churches and Mosques into CHPS Zones to Strengthen Preventive Healthcare — Ghana Health Servicelink
TrueThe Minister for Health stated that the Government would clear trainee allowances on time under the 2026 health budget.— Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister for Health
True. In an official Ministry of Health article on the 2026 health budget, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh stated that the Government would clear trainee allowances on time.
- In an official Ministry of Health article on the 2026 health budget, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh stated that the Government would clear trainee allowances on time.
- Government Prioritises Healthcare in 2026 Budget – Health Minister — Ministry of Health, Ghanalink
Sources
- 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review — Ministry of Finance, Ghanalink
- Finance Minister Presents 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review — Parliament of Ghana link
- Parliament to Debate Mid-Year Budget Review on Tuesday — Parliament of Ghanalink
- NDC 2024 Manifesto — Resetting Ghana: Jobs | Accountability | Prosperity — National Democratic Congresslink
- 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy — Ministry of Finance, Ghanalink
- Update on the Implementation of the Big Push Infrastructure Project — Parliament of Ghanalink
- Finance Minister Lays Value for Money Office Bill Before Parliament — Ministry of Finance, Ghanalink
- Vice President Commends Ministry of Finance for Driving Economic Reforms — Ministry of Finance, Ghanalink
- Procurement on Big Push: PPA Refuses to Release Information to The Fourth Estate — The Fourth Estatelink
- 85% of MoFA's 2026 Budget Released to Boost Food Production – Deputy Finance Minister — Ministry of Financelink
- 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy — Ministry of Finance, Ghanalink
- 2025 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review — Ministry of Finance, Ghanalink
- Youth in Cocoa Farming Initiative — Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness, Office of the Presidentlink
- Nurses Leadership Apologised to Health Minister — Ministry of Health, Ghanalink
- GHS Maps Schools, Churches and Mosques into CHPS Zones to Strengthen Preventive Healthcare — Ghana Health Servicelink
- Government Prioritises Healthcare in 2026 Budget – Health Minister — Ministry of Health, Ghanalink