Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson will present the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament at 6pm on Thursday, November 12, 2026, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin announced on Tuesday, November 10.
The Speaker told the House he had approved a request from the Finance Minister to read the budget in the evening, saying Dr Forson “gave good reasons” for the 6pm slot, MyJoyOnline reported.
Parliament is expected to adjust its sitting schedule on Thursday so that members are not fatigued before the presentation. The House may sit from around 6pm to receive the minister.
The November 12 date was earlier confirmed in Parliament by Majority Leader James Agalga, who said the budget would be presented under Article 179 of the 1992 Constitution on the authority of the President.
2027 budget presentation time moved to 6pm
The evening sitting is a departure from the usual daytime budget readings. The Speaker did not publicly detail the minister’s reasons but said he was satisfied with them.
The budget is titled “The New Economy” and covers the government’s revenue plans, spending targets and policy priorities for the year ending December 31, 2027.
New Economy Programme expected to dominate the 2027 budget
The budget is expected to set out details of the New Economy Programme, a four-year investment plan for 2027 to 2030 announced by President John Dramani Mahama and reported as a US$10 billion initiative.
The programme aims to expand domestic production, process more raw materials locally, support Ghanaian businesses and create jobs, especially for young people.
Speaking at KNUST, Dr Forson said the government plans to raise at least US$13 billion for the programme over four years without new loans, relying on domestic revenue and changes to fiscal targets.
Earlier this month, the minister said: “I will show how the New Economy will turn the gains we have made together into jobs.”
Key figures ahead of the 2027 budget
- Presentation date: Thursday, November 12, 2026
- Presentation time: 6pm
- New Economy Programme: four years, 2027–2030
- Funding target cited by Ato Forson: at least US$13 billion, with no new loans
- Primary surplus target: to be lowered from 1.5% to 0.5% of GDP, freeing about 1% of GDP
- Revenue contribution: 0.5% of GDP from government revenue
- Public debt target: 45% of GDP by 2028
- Economic growth: 6.0% in the second quarter of 2026 (GSS)
- Inflation: 5.2% in September 2026 (GSS)
What the 2027 budget means for businesses and workers
Business groups, including GUTA, have urged the government to use the 2027 budget to lower the cost of doing business and make credit cheaper.
Agricultural experts have also called for investment in roads, water and electricity for commercial farmers. The Finance Minister has said the budget’s priorities include decent jobs for young people, better incomes for farmers and an environment where businesses can expand and hire.
Some spending commitments have already been flagged by the President, including GH¢100m in the 2027 budget to complete the abandoned Nsawam Remand Prison block.
What happens next after the budget reading
After the presentation, MPs will attend a post-budget workshop from November 15 to 17, 2026, at the Volta Serene Hotel to examine the budget and its implications.
Parliament will then debate the budget before considering the estimates of ministries, departments and agencies and the Appropriation Bill. The Majority Leader has urged state agencies to submit their budget estimates promptly. The full budget statement is expected to be published by the Ministry of Finance.
Key details at a glance
- The 2027 budget will be read in Parliament at 6pm on Thursday, November 12, 2026.
- Speaker Alban Bagbin approved the Finance Minister’s request for an evening presentation.
- Dr Cassiel Ato Forson will present the budget, titled “The New Economy”.
- The New Economy Programme runs from 2027 to 2030.
- Ato Forson says at least US$13 billion will be raised for it without new loans.
- A post-budget workshop for MPs is scheduled for November 15–17 at the Volta Serene Hotel.
FAQs
When will the 2027 budget be presented in Ghana?
The 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy will be presented to Parliament on Thursday, November 12, 2026.
What time will Ato Forson read the 2027 budget?
The Finance Minister will present the budget at 6pm, after Speaker Alban Bagbin approved his request for an evening presentation.
What is the New Economy Programme in the 2027 budget?
It is a four-year investment plan from 2027 to 2030 aimed at boosting local production, value addition, exports and jobs. The Finance Minister says it will be funded without new loans.
Ghanaians will hear the government’s 2027 spending and revenue plans at 6pm on Thursday, November 12, when Dr Cassiel Ato Forson presents a budget centred on the New Economy Programme, jobs and debt sustainability, followed by a post-budget workshop and debate in Parliament.
