71% want jobs and youth employment prioritised in 2027 Budget – KPMG/UNDP survey

More than seven in 10 respondents want job creation and youth employment prioritised in Ghana’s 2027 Budget, according to a survey conducted by KPMG and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The findings show that 71 per cent of respondents consider jobs and youth unemployment a top national priority for the government, while 54 per cent identify the cost of living as another major concern.

The survey, which draws on responses from citizens and businesses as well as focus group discussions, highlights expectations for the 2027 Budget and the economic challenges facing households and enterprises.

On taxation, 90 per cent of respondents want government to communicate changes at least four months before implementation to give businesses sufficient time to plan.

The report says tax concerns extend beyond statutory rates to include complex filing processes, payments to multiple authorities and changes announced at short notice.

“Tax-related concerns extend beyond statutory rates. Respondents identified complex filing, payments to multiple authorities and short-notice changes as significant impediments,” the report stated.

It added that the leading preference for encouraging informal businesses to join the formal economy was increased education and awareness, followed by incentives for formalisation and aligning licensing processes with tax registration.

The survey findings point to optimism among businesses, but also identify continuing constraints involving access to suitable financing, reliable utilities and market demand.

Respondents expressed conditional interest in the government's 24-Hour Economy programme, while highlighting job creation, youth employment and cash-flow challenges as important concerns.

The report argues that policy measures should address the practical conditions businesses need to expand, invest and create employment.

Drawing on the survey and focus group findings, KPMG and UNDP identify four priority areas for consideration in the 2027 Budget.

These include enabling enterprise growth through affordable financing and predictable taxation, and translating the 24-Hour Economy programme and New Economy agenda into productive investment.

The report also recommends improving the value of public investment and strengthening financial discipline, with effective coordination through the Value for Money Office.

A fourth priority is safeguarding natural resources and accelerating green investment.

The recommendations are intended to inform discussions on the 2027 Budget, with emphasis on feasible investment, effective implementation and measurable outcomes for businesses and communities.