- Deloitte’s Yaw Appiah Lartey says 2026 Budget targets are achievable
- Government projects 4.9% average GDP growth and 5% non-oil GDP growth
- Inflation expected to stay within the 8 ± 2% band
Yaw Appiah Lartey, Partner for Strategy and Partnerships at Deloitte Ghana, says he is confident that the government can achieve the key targets outlined in the 2026 Budget presented by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.
The budget outlines a medium-term recovery strategy centred on economic stability, growth, and fiscal discipline, covering the period from 2026 to 2029. Government is targeting an average real GDP growth rate of 4.9%, with non-oil GDP growth projected at around 5% as part of efforts to reduce reliance on the extractive sector.
Inflation is expected to remain within the 8 ± 2 percent range, while the primary balance is projected to show a surplus of 1.5% of GDP from 2026, consistent with the Fiscal Responsibility Framework. These targets aim to reinforce the recent improvements in macroeconomic stability.
Speaking on Channel One TV, Mr. Appiah Lartey described the budget deficit targets as attainable, especially with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) providing oversight. He stressed, however, that meeting the projections will require strict policy execution.
“I think they are all achievable. For example, if GDP growth in the first half of the year is about 6.3%, and the full-year projection is 4.6%, that is quite possible.
“The same goes for the budget deficit. With IMF supervision, these targets are realistic. They are not overly ambitious—unless there is a lapse in disciplined implementation, which could cause us to fall short,” he said.
