Cassiel Ato Forson

Also known as: Hon. Cassiel Ato Forson · Dr Cassiel Ato Forson · Dr Forson · Finance minister Cassiel Ato Forson · Finance Minister Ato Forson · Finance Minister Forson · Mr. Cassiel Ato Forson · Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson · Dr Ato Forson · Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson · Hon. Dr Cassiel Ato Forson · Cassiel Ato Baah Forson · Hon. Ato Forson · Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson · Dr. Forson · Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson · Finance Minister Dr Ato Forson · Minister of Finance Dr Ato Forson

Finance Minister announcing "New Economy" policy framework for 2027 budget with shift toward growth-focused spending after fiscal consolidation.

2026-04-222026-08-02

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

July 2026
24 JulJoy Online
Former Legal Adviser to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Kow Abaka Essuman, has criticised Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson over what he describes as the government’s failure to pay outstanding arrears and entitlements owed to staff of the Presidency who served …
Kow Essuman criticises Ato Forson over unpaid arrears for former Presidency staff
24 JulJoy Online
… The Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, announced the measure during the presentation of the 2026 Mid‑Year Fiscal Policy Review in Parliament on Thursday. …
Government secures $1.7bn for Accra-Kumasi Expressway
24 JulJoy Online
Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has revealed that government had to rely on an alternative source of funding after the country’s main constitutional emergency fund was blocked by a High Court garnishee order. …
Emergency fund blocked, but we found money – Ato Forson reveals how gov’t raised ¢350m for flood response
24 JulJoy Online
Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has raised concerns over the garnisheeing of Ghana’s constitutional contingency fund, describing it as the country’s only emergency fund created under the Constitution. …
The only emergency fund we have is blocked – Ato Forson concerned over garnisheed state account
24 JulJoy Online
Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson is calling for legislation to define which government funds can be frozen through court orders, warning that emergency resources meant to respond to national crises could be rendered inaccessible. …
Ato Forson demands law to stop state funds being frozen by court orders
24 JulJoy Online
Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has defended the government’s decision to maintain strict spending controls under Ghana’s IMF programme, insisting that the agreement is with the country and not any political party. …
IMF deals with Ghana, not political parties – Ato Forson defends meeting programme targets
24 JulJoy Online
Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has delivered a firm warning that the government will not abandon fiscal discipline for political convenience, insisting Ghana cannot afford to return to the economic crisis that forced painful debt restructuring. …
‘We’re not going back to haircuts’ – Ato Forson warns against reckless spending
23 JulJoy Online
Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has defended the government’s restrained spending approach, warning that abandoning fiscal discipline would plunge Ghana back into economic turmoil and undermine the country’s hard-won recovery. …
Spend like there’s no tomorrow and Ghana will crash again – Ato Forson
23 JulJoy Online
Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson says Ghana is firmly on course to exit the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme after outperforming key fiscal targets agreed under the country’s $3 billion bailout. …
Ghana on course to exit IMF as fiscal targets Are Beaten – Ato Forson
23 JulJoy Online
The Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has rejected criticism over government’s restrained spending. …
‘Don’t blame us’ – NPP locked Ghana into IMF spending rules, says Ato Forson

Society

GAF provides flood relief to 297 affected military personnel

The News

The Ghana Armed Forces, in collaboration with NADMO, presented relief items and financial assistance to 297 military personnel and civilian employees affected by June 29 floods in Accra and other parts of the country. Chief of the Defence Staff Lieutenant General William Agyapong presented the support at a ceremony at Nicholson Stadium, noting the Armed Forces' commitment to the welfare of those affected.

1 August 2026 · Joy Online →

Yesterday

GAF provides flood relief to 297 affected military personnel
The Ghana Armed Forces, in collaboration with NADMO, presented relief items and financial assistance to 297 military personnel and civilian employees affected by June 29 floods in Accra and other parts of the country. Chief of the Defence Staff Lieutenant General William Agyapong presented the support at a ceremony at Nicholson Stadium, noting the Armed Forces' commitment to the welfare of those affected.
1 August 2026 · Joy Online →

Friday 31 July

Parliament amends fuel levies to combat subsidy abuse and boost revenue
Parliament has passed the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Bill, 2026, raising the Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy on fuel oil from GH¢0.24 to GH¢1.93 per litre and extending the Road Fund Levy to fuel oil, as the government moves to address abuse in the fuel subsidy regime. Under the amended system, companies claiming industrial tax exemptions will pay levies upfront at importation and apply for refunds afterward, replacing a system that allowed fraudulent claims through disguising diesel as fuel oil.
31 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Finance Minister announces "New Economy" policy for 2027 budget
Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has announced a new "New Economy" policy framework for the 2027 national budget, signalling a shift from fiscal consolidation towards growth-focused spending. The government plans to reduce its primary surplus target from 1.5% of GDP to 0.5%, and aims to expand economic opportunities particularly in the rural sector and among young people after two years of economic stabilization.
31 July 2026 · Joy Online →
GHIB CEO outlines bank's vision supporting Ghanaian businesses globally
The new CEO of Ghana International Bank spent 10 working days in Ghana during his first month to understand the bank's customers and communities, and believes GHIB's greatest opportunities lie in financing trade and partnering with Ghanaian businesses as they expand internationally. Since its establishment in 1959, the bank has served as a bridge between Ghana and the world's financial markets.
31 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Fitch Solutions projects Ghana inflation at 9% by end 2026
Fitch Solutions has projected Ghana's inflation will rise to 9% by the end of 2026, largely driven by renewed pressure on the cedi, stronger domestic demand, and higher food prices linked to El Niño-related weather disruptions, despite the cedi's recent strong performance. The projection is based on the Bank of Ghana's new monetary stance and expectations that the cedi will not stabilise strongly in coming months.
31 July 2026 · Daily Guide →

Thursday 30 July

Chief Partnership Officer's 6.4% unemployment claim lacks official data support
Dr Ishmael Nii Amanor Dodoo claimed Ghana's unemployment rate fell to 6.4%, but the latest Ghana Statistical Service data from Q3 2025 shows it at 13%, and the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review reports 12.8% — figures inconsistent with the official claim.
30 July 2026 · Joy Online →
NPP MP questions government on job creation and delayed public sector payments
Patrick Yaw Boamah, the NPP MP for Okaikwei Central, criticised the government's economic management during the Mid-Year Budget Review debate, questioning where the promised 800,000 jobs are and arguing that increased revenue collection must translate into better living conditions and timely payment of public-sector workers like doctors, nurses, and teachers.
30 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Wednesday 29 July

Fitch Solutions forecasts inflation to reach 9% by end-2026
Fitch Solutions projects Ghana's inflation will rise to 9% by the end of 2026, driven largely by renewed pressure on the cedi, and further to 13.2% by end-2027 due to stronger domestic demand, imported inflation, and food price increases linked to weather disruptions. The forecast contrasts with Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson's projection of 5% inflation by December.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Minority says 2026 budget review shows unfulfilled job promises
Ghana's parliamentary minority has criticized the 2026 budget review, stating that government promises on job creation and economic policy are not aligned with implementation. The MP for Atiwa East noted a close to GH₵2 billion shortfall in total revenue and grants, citing weak domestic consumption and reduced VAT and excise duty collections.
29 July 2026 · The Chronicle →

Tuesday 28 July

Ghana completes $3 billion IMF bailout, receives final $371 million
The IMF has approved the final review of Ghana's three-year Extended Credit Facility programme, unlocking a final disbursement of $371 million and bringing total receipts to $3 billion. Ghana will now transition to a 36-month Policy Coordination Instrument with the IMF to support ongoing economic reforms without providing new financing.
28 July 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
Revenue growth must improve living standards, MP argues
MP Patrick Yaw Boamah criticised the government's economic management, arguing that increased revenue must translate into improved conditions for citizens, including timely payment of public sector workers like doctors, nurses and teachers, and questioned why the government has not reported on its campaign promise to create 800,000 jobs.
28 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Atta Issah defends Ato Forson's revenue collection performance
Sagnarigu MP Atta Issah defended Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson against Minority claims of insufficient revenue mobilisation, citing 2025 budget figures showing a shortfall of GH¢3.46 billion against a budgeted GH¢229.95 billion, and comparing this favourably to NPP-era shortfalls of GH¢3.71 billion (2017), GH¢2.59 billion (2018), and GH¢4.34 billion (2019).
28 July 2026 · Joy Online →
IERPP demands full disclosure of SOE and Bank of Ghana liabilities
The Institute for Economic Research and Public Policy has called on the government to fully disclose the accumulated liabilities of State-Owned Enterprises and the Bank of Ghana's capital position, saying the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review presents an incomplete picture of the country's fiscal health. The think tank noted that while the budget review acknowledges SOEs have accumulated liabilities equivalent to about three percent of GDP annually over the past decade and that a GH¢5 billion bond was issued in March to recapitalize the Bank of Ghana, it fails to disclose the total liabilities in cedi terms.
28 July 2026 · Daily Guide →
Expert urges MPs to ground debates in credible facts
The Executive Director of the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs has called on Members of Parliament to rely on verifiable data and evidence in their arguments to reduce partisanship and improve the quality of parliamentary deliberations.
28 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Egyapa Mercer credits Akufo-Addo for Ghana's IMF recovery path
Former Sekondi MP Andrew Egyapa Mercer has argued that the Akufo-Addo administration laid the foundation for Ghana's successful completion of the IMF Extended Credit Facility programme, while acknowledging the current Finance Minister's role in guiding the final phase to completion. He attributes Ghana's earlier recovery efforts to government reforms that restored growth and reduced inflation, though pandemic responses and subsequent global shocks including the Russia-Ukraine war pushed inflation to 54.1 per cent in 2022 and necessitated a US$3 billion IMF programme.
28 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Gold earnings mask petroleum decline and governance risks—NRGI
The Natural Resource Governance Institute has warned that Ghana's strong gold exports and improved fiscal position mask structural weaknesses in the petroleum sector and governance gaps that require urgent reform. Ghana's oil production is projected to decline to 37.95 million barrels in 2026 from 46.35 million in 2025 due to maturing fields and reserve depletion.
28 July 2026 · The Chronicle →
Deputy Finance MP disputes government's sole credit for economic recovery
Dr Gideon Boako, Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament's Finance Committee, argues that the government is misrepresenting Ghana's economic turnaround by claiming it results solely from the current administration's management, when the IMF attributes it to a combination of programme implementation, debt restructuring, fiscal consolidation, structural reforms, and favourable external conditions.
28 July 2026 · The Chronicle →
KPMG urges phased tax reform rollout in Ghana's mid-year budget
KPMG Ghana has advised the government to implement new tax reforms announced in the Mid-Year Budget—including removal of 20% excise duty on locally produced beverages and electronic devices for tax tracking—through a phased approach with clear technical standards and transition arrangements to ensure business readiness.
28 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Monday 27 July

NEIP CEO defends Ato Forson's economic management against NPP criticism
The Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme has defended the Finance Minister's economic leadership, dismissing the NPP's claim that the government is not spending to stimulate the economy as propaganda and asserting that the government maintains fiscal discipline while honouring statutory obligations and making strategic investments.
27 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Asiedu Nketia leads poll but gain tied to NPP voters
According to Global InfoAnalytics' July tracking poll, NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia and Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson are statistically tied in the race to succeed President Mahama as NDC presidential candidate, with Nketia's marginal lead driven largely by support from NPP voters, while Forson holds an edge among floating voters.
27 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Government abolishes 20% excise duty on fruit juices
Fruit growers and processors in Ekumfi and Asebu have praised the government and Finance Minister Ato Forson for abolishing the 20% excise duty on locally manufactured fruit juices, a move announced in the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review to support agro-processing and local manufacturing. The associations say the removal comes at a critical time when local processors face high production costs and competition, and expect it to stimulate investment in commercial fruit farming and strengthen the value chain.
27 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Cutting spending alone isn't savings, economist warns government
Prof. Isaac Boadi says reducing public expenditure does not equal genuine economic savings unless unspent capital is redirected into productive investments. He also questioned the government's accountability for the 24-Hour Economy Initiative, noting that approximately GHC 110 million has been spent with little verifiable output, and warned of looming debt service challenges if revenue shortfalls persist.
27 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Asiedu Nketia and Ato Forson tied in NDC 2028 leadership race
A poll by GlobalInfo Analytics released July 27 shows National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia and Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson each at 31 per cent as the preferred choice to lead the NDC into the 2028 general elections, with Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu at 15 per cent and Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang at 9 per cent.
27 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Ayariga condemns Habib's remark about market women attacking Forson
During Parliament debate on the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga attacked Deputy Minority Chief Whip Habib Iddrisu for stating that market women would have attacked Finance Minister Dr Ato Forson if he visited markets. Ayariga described Iddrisu's comments as "irresponsible" and "reprehensible," saying such remarks had no place in the country's law-making chamber.
27 July 2026 · The Chronicle →
Economic gains must translate into jobs for youth
The Chronicle editorial says while Ghana's macroeconomic indicators are improving—GDP growth at 6.4%, inflation at 5.3%—youth unemployment remains disturbingly high at over 30% for ages 15–24, with approximately 1.34 million young people neither in education, employment nor training, and the government must ensure recovery reaches ordinary Ghanaians.
27 July 2026 · The Chronicle →
First Deputy Speaker warns MPs against offensive parliamentary language
The First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor cautioned MPs against making offensive or misleading comments during parliamentary proceedings, citing violations of Standing Orders and rules that could lead to disorderliness. The caution followed comments by First Deputy Minority Whip Habib Iddrisu about market traders' reactions to the Finance Minister's mid-year budget statement.
27 July 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
Ghana targets GH¢30bn Sinking Fund by year-end for DDEP repayment
The government has projected to accumulate GH¢30 billion in the Sinking Fund by the end of 2026 to prepare for repayment of Domestic Debt Exchange Programme obligations, with the first major maturity falling due in February 2027. As of July 22, 2026, the Fund had accumulated GH¢15.6 billion.
27 July 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
IMF Board to approve Ghana's final ECF review, post-bailout plan
The IMF Executive Board is expected to approve Ghana's sixth and final Extended Credit Facility review, unlocking a final disbursement of about US$318 million, and to greenlight a 36-month Policy Coordination Instrument to guide economic reforms after the bailout programme concludes. The PCI, a non-financing arrangement, will offer closer policy engagement with the IMF and signal Ghana's commitment to reforms.
27 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Saturday 25 July

Government silent on GH¢40m creative sector funding promise
Ghana's government promised GH¢20 million each for a Film Fund and Creative Arts Fund in the 2026 Budget, but the Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review contains no mention of implementation or funding releases for either initiative.
25 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Economic growth without jobs deepens frustration—Gideon Boako warns
Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament's Finance Committee Dr Gideon Boako argued that Ghana's improving macroeconomic indicators will mean little unless they translate into jobs, warning that a growing economy with unemployed youth risks deepening public frustration and widening inequality. He said the ultimate test of economic recovery is whether it improves ordinary Ghanaians' lives through employment, higher incomes and expanded opportunities, not headline growth figures alone.
25 July 2026 · Joy Online →