Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem has described the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review presented by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson as “splendid,” saying the government’s economic management has yielded results that Ghanaians can appreciate.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show after the presentation of the budget review in Parliament, Mr Nyarko Ampem said the government’s fiscal performance demonstrated that President John Dramani Mahama and the Finance Minister had successfully steered the economy onto a path of recovery.

“The mid-year budget, in one word, is splendid. Everyone who listened and knew where Ghana was and where Ghana is now will applaud President Mahama and the Finance Minister,” he said.

According to the Deputy Finance Minister, one of the highlights of the budget review was the Finance Minister’s transparency in accounting for government expenditure.

He noted that contrary to claims by the Minority in Parliament that government was not spending on approved programmes, the budget review clearly outlined payments made across key sectors during the first six months of the year.

“My boss gave an honest account of Ghana’s budget. The appropriations Parliament approved for us to work with, we were not asking for more money. Whatever we are doing is within the ceiling Parliament approved. We are only realigning our contingency vote,” he explained.

Mr Nyarko Ampem said government had spent GH¢48 billion on compensation for public sector workers across all sectors by the end of June.

He also dismissed suggestions that statutory funds were in arrears, insisting that payments to institutions such as the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) and the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) were up to date.

“We have no arrears. Not GETFund or the Health Insurance Scheme, we don’t owe them. Health insurance is now begging people to bring claims so they can be paid,” he stated.

The Deputy Finance Minister further disclosed that government had honoured its debt obligations by paying US$700 million in Eurobond debt service during the year, while domestic bondholders had received GH¢10 billion.

He said government had also established a sinking fund to prepare for upcoming debt repayments, with seven per cent of revenue being set aside to meet future obligations.

According to him, more than GH¢15 billion has already been accumulated in the sinking fund, with government targeting nearly GH¢30 billion by the time the 2027 Budget is presented in November.

He explained that the funds would be used to settle about GH¢30 billion in debt due in February 2027 and another GH¢28 billion due in August next year.

“We are managing what we have,” Mr Nyarko Ampem said, stressing that the government remains committed to prudent fiscal management while delivering on its policy commitments.

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