Government Allocates GH¢150 Million to Combat Illegal Mining
The Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced a significant financial allocation of GH¢150 million in the 2026 fiscal year to the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS). This funding aims to intensify efforts against illegal mining and forest degradation. It represents the largest financial commitment by any government to tackle this issue.
During the presentation of the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on Thursday, November 13, under the theme “Resetting for Growth, Jobs, and Economic Transformation,” Dr Forson emphasized that this allocation reflects the government’s dedication to protecting Ghana’s natural environment and restoring degraded lands.
While the statement was met with applause, concerns remain about whether the funds will be effectively used for their intended purpose. Challenges such as limited resources and austerity measures could hinder the implementation of these plans.
Addressing Illegal Mining and Environmental Protection
Dr Forson stated that the allocated funds will support ongoing enforcement, intelligence, and monitoring operations led by NAIMOS to combat illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as galamsey. These activities have had severe impacts on water bodies, forest reserves, and farmlands.
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat was established to coordinate national efforts against illegal mining. Its operations are intelligence-driven and involve collaboration with mining communities to promote responsible practices and ensure environmental sustainability.
Dr Forson reaffirmed the government’s resolve to combat environmental crimes that threaten livelihoods and national development. He emphasized that protecting Ghana’s natural resources is central to the country’s long-term economic transformation agenda.
National Policy on Integrated Oil Palm Development
Ghana aims to achieve self-sufficiency in palm oil production by 2032 through a new National Policy on Integrated Oil Palm Development. This policy, spanning from 2026 to 2032, seeks to cultivate over 100,000 hectares of new oil palm plantations and create about 250,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The initiative will be implemented by the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) in collaboration with the Oil Palm Research Institute and private sector partners. The policy is designed to make Ghana the palm oil hub of West Africa. It includes support for smallholders with improved seedlings, access to finance, and processing technology to ensure inclusive growth.
Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Overview
The total appropriation for the fiscal year ending 31st December 2026 amounts to GH¢357,105,639,079.87. Total expenditure on a commitment basis for 2026 has been programmed at GH¢302.5 billion, representing 18.9 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This marks a 20.1 percent increase over the 2025 projection of GH¢251.7 billion, which accounted for 17.8 percent of GDP.
Dr Forson explained that the 2026 allocation reflects a careful balance between fiscal consolidation and strategic investment in infrastructure, human capital, and social protection. Primary expenditure, excluding interest payments, is projected at GH¢244.7 billion, or 15.3 percent of GDP.
Compensation of employees covering wages, salaries, pensions, gratuities, and social security contributions is expected to reach GH¢90.8 billion, equivalent to 5.7 percent of GDP. This figure reflects a negotiated 9 percent increase in base pay for public sector workers under the Single Spine Salary Structure.
Infrastructure and Security Investments
Capital expenditure (CAPEX) is projected at GH¢57.5 billion, representing 3.6 percent of GDP. This underscores the government’s commitment to growth-driving investments. Of this, GH¢45.5 billion will be domestically financed — GH¢15.5 billion for MDAs and GH¢30 billion for the Big Push Infrastructure Programme — while GH¢12 billion will come from foreign-financed sources such as project loans and grants.
Dr Forson also announced that the government will commence procurement processes for the acquisition of four modern helicopters, one long-range aircraft, and one medium-range aircraft to strengthen the operational efficiency of the Ghana Air Force. These aircraft are expected to be delivered within four years after the procurement processes are finalised.
Education Reform and Agricultural Transformation
The government has announced a bold plan to eliminate the double-track system in Ghana’s secondary schools through the implementation of the Ghana Secondary Learning Improvement Programme (GSLIP). The initiative, which will run from 2026 to 2027, is designed to expand access, improve quality, and restore full-time schooling for all senior high school students.
As part of the initiative, government will expand classroom and dormitory infrastructure in selected Category A schools to increase enrolment capacity and ease congestion. Additionally, ten Category B schools will be upgraded to Category A status and equipped with modern classrooms, dormitories, libraries, and state-of-the-art science and ICT laboratories.
Dr Forson highlighted that the inequity between well-resourced Category A schools and under-enrolled Category C schools will also be addressed. The post Finance Minister throws numbers around from 2026 budget appeared first on The Herald ghana.
