Government wants natural wealth to deliver jobs and improved livelihoods – Ato Forson

Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has called for a deliberate shift towards using Ghana’s natural and economic resources to generate employment, expand local industries and improve the living standards of citizens.

Presenting the 2027 Budget to Parliament on Thursday, November 12, 2026, he said the country must ensure that its resources deliver measurable economic benefits rather than remain untapped or contribute little to national development.

“Every cedi of that space must answer a national question: What jobs will it create? What import will it replace? What export will it generate? And what lasting value will it leave behind?” he said.

Dr Forson said the government's New Economy programme was designed to redirect resources towards productive sectors, strengthen domestic production and ensure that economic recovery translates into sustainable prosperity.

He said the framework would prioritise investments in agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, energy and critical minerals, with a focus on value addition, job creation and expanding opportunities for local businesses.

The Finance Minister stressed that the benefits of economic stability must be felt by ordinary Ghanaians through decent employment, rising incomes and improved livelihoods.

“Our natural and economic wealth must translate into improved living conditions, decent jobs and opportunities for all,” he said.