Ghana Minute.
Wednesday, 16 September 2026
Ghana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Wednesday, 16 September 2026
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Ghanaian press · Person

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 · Hon. Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson

Finance Minister and MP for Ajumako Enyan Essiam, planning 2027 Budget with infrastructure investment and new economy programme.

2026-04-222026-09-16

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. August 2026
  2. Joy Online

    The Spain Chapter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has commended Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson and Ghana Water Limited Managing Director Adam Mutawakilu for what it says is “their contributions to improving the l

    NDC Spain Chapter hails Ablakwa, Ato Forson, Mutawakilu for ‘service to Ghanaians’
  3. Joy Online

    Cassiel Ato Forson, who will deliver insights on building resilient procurement systems that promote sustainable development, economic growth, and long-term national competitiveness.

    NPSC 2026 to lead discussions on smart and inclusive procurement for sustainable growth
  4. Joy Online

    Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, in presenting the policy to Parliament, said GANRAP represented a shift from the previous approach of using expensive swaps and Eurobond borrowing to build reserves.

    GANRAP will build reserves to cushion Ghana against future shocks — Sammy Gyamfi
  5. Joy Online

    So, between April and June, we are happy to report, and as the Finance Minister, Dr Ato Forson, also echoed in Parliament, that we are collecting about GH¢1.3 to GH¢1.5 billion a month in addition to what we used to collect,” he said.

    Publican AI boosts GRA customs revenue to GH¢6.1bn in July – Commissioner-General
  6. Joy Online

    The last time the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, appeared in Parliament, he said, among other things, that there was no arrears and boasted that so much has been saved towards the settlement of the first batch of payments under the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (D

    Open SOS call to President Mahama for justice
  7. Joy Online

    Presenting the budget, Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson paid tribute to the late Boamah as a fallen hero and the architect of the modernisation strategy Adjei now inherits.

    From Deputy to Defense Boss: Gilbert Adjei returns to lead ministry where he once served number two
  8. Joy Online

    The appointment comes almost exactly a year after the accident, during which the Defence Ministry has been overseen in an acting capacity by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson.

    Who is Kenneth Gilbert Adjei? The former Deputy Defence Minister returning to lead Ghana’s Defence Ministry
  9. Joy Online

    The Minority Leader later shared a video of a similar objection raised by former Minority Leader Dr Cassiel Ato Forson during an opposition demonstration, appearing to draw comparisons between the two incidents.

    GenCED condemns Afenyo-Markin’s treatment of Nana Yaa Jantuah during NPP petition presentation
  10. Joy Online

    Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, who had been acting as Defence Minister since the death of Dr Omane Boamah, is expected to hand over the portfolio once the new nominees are approved.

    Mahama names Zanetor Rawlings for Environment, nominates Ayariga to Local Government in first reshuffle
  11. Joy Online

    Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Acting Minister for Defence, has reaffirmed Government’s commitment to modernising military infrastructure to improve the welfare and operational readiness of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).

    New Burma Camp facilities to boost GAF readiness – Ag. Defence Minister
Business

2027 Budget will outline major infrastructure and economic growth plans

The News

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced that the 2027 Budget, to be presented to Parliament in early November 2026, will detail major infrastructure projects and policy initiatives aimed at job creation and economic growth. The government intends to invest about US$10 billion to stimulate economic activity, moving the economy from stabilisation to stronger, more sustainable growth.

7 hours ago · Daily Guide

Today

  1. 2027 Budget will outline major infrastructure and economic growth plans

    Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced that the 2027 Budget, to be presented to Parliament in early November 2026, will detail major infrastructure projects and policy initiatives aimed at job creation and economic growth. The government intends to invest about US$10 billion to stimulate economic activity, moving the economy from stabilisation to stronger, more sustainable growth.

    7 hours ago · Daily Guide

  2. IFC positions $1.2 billion investment pipeline for Ghana

    The International Finance Corporation, part of the World Bank Group, plans to increase private sector support for Ghana with a $1.2 billion investment pipeline across energy, infrastructure, and agriculture. IFC's managing director cited Ghana's recent macroeconomic progress in managing inflation and debt as creating opportunity to attract more private capital.

    7 hours ago · Joy Online

Yesterday

  1. Finance Minister plans 2027 Budget for November, infrastructure, jobs

    Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson indicated the 2027 Budget will be presented to Parliament in the first week of November 2026, with plans for major infrastructure projects and new business incentives. He said the government intends to invest about US$10 billion under a new economy programme to stimulate economic activity and growth.

    15 September 2026 · Joy Online

Monday 14 September

  1. Government to fund Accra-Kumasi Expressway without borrowing

    Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has assured that the government will not borrow to finance the construction of the 198.7-kilometre Accra-Kumasi Expressway, with all required funding to be available by December 2026 through domestic resource mobilisation. The project is expected to reduce travel time and transport costs, improve road safety, and ease pressure on existing road networks.

    14 September 2026 · Joy Online

  2. $2 billion secured for Accra-Kumasi Expressway without borrowing

    President Mahama announced that $2 billion in taxpayer funds has been placed in a dedicated Bank of Ghana account to finance the Accra-Kumasi Expressway construction without external borrowing. The Finance Minister assured that the full amount will be available by December 31, 2026, with the 175.6-kilometre cleared right-of-way handed over on September 14.

    14 September 2026 · Joy Online

Friday 11 September

  1. NPP chair alleges NDC MPs neglected cocoa farmers' pledges

    The Sefwi Wiawso Constituency Chairman of the NPP has accused the NDC's eight regional MPs of failing to pressure President Mahama to honour campaign promises to cocoa farmers, including polytanks for irrigation and a cocoa price of over GH¢6,000 per bag; the current price is GH¢2,500.

    11 September 2026 · Daily Guide

Thursday 10 September

  1. Akufo-Addo's ex-lawyer demands overdue salary from Finance Ministry

    Former Legal Counsel to President Akufo-Addo, Kow Abaka Essuman, has given the Finance Ministry until September 11, 2026, to pay outstanding salary arrears and terminal benefits or face legal action, claiming he has waited more than 20 months for his entitlements.

    10 September 2026 · The Ghanaian Times

  2. Former Presidential Counsel demands unpaid salary from Finance Ministry

    Kow Essuman, former Legal Counsel to President Akufo-Addo, has demanded that the Ministry of Finance settle unpaid salary arrears and end-of-service benefits by September 11, 2026, or face legal action. His lawyers claim he is owed four months' consolidated salary for each completed year of service, a one-month installation grant, and a resettlement grant equivalent to one month's salary per year served, plus interest from January 7, 2025.

    10 September 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Kow Essuman demands terminal benefits from Finance Minister

    Lawyers for former Legal Counsel to the President Kow Abaka Essuman have formally demanded payment of his outstanding salary arrears and terminal benefits following the end of his tenure in January 2025. The lawyers cite the Presidential (Transition) Act, 2012, which requires the Transition Team to pay retiring benefits to specified public office holders without undue delay.

    10 September 2026 · Joy Online

Wednesday 9 September

  1. Citizen Kofi calls for tougher corruption penalties to deter wealth pursuit

    Businessman Dr Kofi Amoah has called for Ghana to rethink how it investigates and punishes corruption, arguing that current approaches risk making corruption an attractive route to wealth and social status, particularly as the country seeks to build competitive indigenous businesses and transform its economy.

    9 September 2026 · Joy Online

Monday 7 September

  1. NDPC to monitor government's new economy programme rollout

    The National Development Planning Commission will track and assess the implementation of the government's new economy programme, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson revealed. The full details of the New Economy programme are set to be unveiled in the 2027 budget in November.

    7 September 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Ato Forson thanks constituents for eighteen years of parliamentary support

    Finance Minister and MP for Ajumako Enyan Essiam Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson thanked his constituents at the Enyan Abaasa Akwambo Festival durbar for their trust and understanding over 18 years of service, acknowledging that his responsibilities as Finance Minister have made visits home less frequent.

    7 September 2026 · Joy Online

Friday 4 September

  1. Accra-Kumasi Expressway positioned as Ghana's largest infrastructure project

    Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu says the completion of the new Accra-Kumasi Expressway will mark a major milestone and be the single largest piece of infrastructure built by a Ghanaian government, with 170 kilometres of the corridor already cleared in preparation for construction and funding to be fully secured by end of 2026.

    4 September 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Accra-Kumasi Expressway to be fully domestically funded

    Ghana's government says the Accra-Kumasi Expressway project will be the largest infrastructure project undertaken by a Ghanaian government and the first of such scale to be fully financed from domestic resources without external borrowing; the Finance Minister has assured all funding will be secured by end of 2026.

    4 September 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Government announces five-pillar strategy for resilient economy

    Ghana's Deputy Minister for Finance outlined a five-pillar economic strategy—stronger buffers, productive economy, private sector investment, resilient institutions, and felt growth—aimed at protecting recent macroeconomic gains and building a stronger economy. The strategy comes as real GDP growth reached 6.4 per cent year-on-year in Q1 2026 and inflation fell to 4.6 per cent in July 2026.

    4 September 2026 · Joy Online

  4. Finance Minister: full Accra-Kumasi Expressway funding ready by year-end

    Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson announced that full funding for the Accra-Kumasi Expressway will be secured by the end of this year without borrowing, with US$1.7 billion already deposited at the Bank of Ghana. The Ghana Armed Forces has cleared 170 of 176 kilometres of the route.

    4 September 2026 · Joy Online

  5. Deputy Minority Leader rejects GH¢70k from Majority Chief Whip

    Patricia Appiagyei, Asokwa MP and Deputy Minority Leader, has rejected GH¢70,000 sent by the Majority Chief Whip, citing concerns about the money's source and her unwillingness to benefit financially from the vetting of Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, Deputy Majority Leader Zanetor Agyemang Rawlings, and Supreme Court nominees. She directed that the funds be returned, and noted that Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin had similarly rejected his share.

    4 September 2026 · Joy Online

Thursday 3 September

  1. Government to clear 30-year waste backlog from Korle Lagoon

    Ghana's government plans to evacuate more than 30 years of accumulated waste from the Korle Lagoon and surrounding James Town areas to a 200-acre landfill at Nsawam in the Eastern Region, operated by the Jospong Group of Companies. The exercise is part of efforts to decongest Accra of waste and improve sanitation in the capital, following a directive from President John Dramani Mahama.

    3 September 2026 · The Ghanaian Times

  2. Ghana seeks Cabinet approval for financial sector resilience policy

    Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson announced that the government is at final stages of securing Cabinet approval for a new macroeconomic policy aimed at strengthening Ghana's financial sector and building resilience against future economic shocks, informed by lessons from the financial sector challenges of 2017 to 2019. The reforms include restructuring the microfinance sector into four categories and focus on strengthening governance, capitalisation, supervision and risk management.

    3 September 2026 · The Ghanaian Times

  3. Finance minister begins consultations on $10bn New Economy programme

    Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has initiated engagements with government ministries to prepare for rollout of the government's New Economy transformational programme, which seeks to leverage an estimated $10 billion in investments to expand production, create jobs and generate wealth. The initiative aims to move Ghana into a new phase of economic development following the macroeconomic stabilisation programme.

    3 September 2026 · Joy Online

Wednesday 2 September

  1. Deputy Finance Minister: Ghana must secure productive economy for next decade

    Deputy Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem said Ghana must build on restored macroeconomic stability and shift focus from correcting past economic challenges to expanding production, attracting investment and creating jobs. He called for a new partnership between government and businesses, with government providing stability and infrastructure while the private sector drives investment, innovation and exports.

    2 September 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Finance minister consults on new economy transformation programme

    Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the Finance Minister, has begun consultations with key ministries, including Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, on the government's new economy transformational programme, which seeks to move Ghana beyond economic stabilisation towards job creation, wealth generation and sustainable growth. President Mahama has announced the programme will involve a US$10 billion investment in key sectors, with full details to be presented in the 2027 Budget in November.

    2 September 2026 · Joy Online

Tuesday 1 September

  1. Government receives GH¢391m dividend from Perseus Mining

    Ghana's Finance Minister announced the government received GH¢391.2 million (US$35 million) dividend from Perseus Mining, a significant increase from the US$5 million paid the previous year, which the Minister attributed to the company's strong profitability and the government's sliding-scale royalty system.

    1 September 2026 · Joy Online

  2. UMB first Ghana bank approved for virtual accounts

    Universal Merchant Bank has become the first bank in Ghana to receive approval from both the Bank of Ghana and the Securities and Exchange Commission to offer virtual accounts to eligible businesses in the virtual asset ecosystem.

    1 September 2026 · Joy Online

Friday 28 August

  1. Minority opposes rush to vet three Supreme Court nominees

    Parliament's Minority has rejected attempts to fast-track the vetting and approval of three Supreme Court nominees—Justice Sophia Bernasko Essah, Justice Amoako Asante, and Anthony Forson Jnr.—before the House rises, saying they deserve adequate scrutiny and public participation, though the Minority is prepared to vet two ministerial nominees promptly.

    28 August 2026 · Daily Guide

  2. Finance Minister to lead inaugural BRT Extended session in September

    Ghana's Finance Minister Dr. Ato Forson will headline the first BRT Extended session on 2 September 2026, discussing economic resilience and reforms following the main Business Roundtable 2026 event.

    28 August 2026 · Joy Online

Thursday 27 August

  1. World Bank approves $500m for Ghana road rehabilitation

    Ghana has received $500 million from the World Bank to rehabilitate about 1,050 kilometres of feeder roads under the Ghana Market Access and Connectivity Project, expected to improve connectivity, boost agricultural productivity and reduce transport costs. The World Bank warns that only 27 per cent of Ghana's road network is paved and more than half is in fair-to-poor condition, costing the economy about GH¢4.5 billion annually, and emphasises the need to maintain roads to break the cycle of degradation.

    27 August 2026 · The Ghanaian Times

Wednesday 26 August

  1. Mahama unveils five-member Bawku Revitalisation Fund Committee

    President John Mahama has unveiled a five-member committee chaired by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson to oversee a one-billion-cedis development fund for restoring Bawku and surrounding areas in the Upper East region. The fund will finance infrastructure and other development projects deemed necessary by the committee.

    26 August 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Mahama inaugurates committee for GH¢1bn Bawku Revitalisation Fund

    President Mahama has inaugurated a five-member committee chaired by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson to oversee implementation of the GH¢1 billion Bawku Revitalisation Fund, which aims to support infrastructure and development in Bawku and surrounding districts following improvements in the security situation.

    26 August 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Mahama launches GH¢1 billion Bawku revitalisation fund

    President Mahama inaugurated a committee to oversee a GH¢1 billion Bawku Revitalisation Fund, which will support infrastructure and development in the conflict-affected region as security improves. The government aims to restore Bawku's status as a major commercial centre and extend benefits across surrounding districts.

    26 August 2026 · Joy Online

Cassiel Ato Forson — Ghanaian press coverage · Ghana Minute