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
23 JulJoy Online
… Dr Amin Adam, who is the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Finance Committee and MP for Karaga, made the comments while addressing the press on Thursday, July 24, after Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson delivered the review in Parliament. …
The honeymoon is over – Amin Adam accuses gov’t of losing public goodwill over economic realities
23 JulJoy Online
… Cassiel Ato Forson, with that of his predecessor, insisting that the economy is now being managed without the taxes and heavy borrowing that characterised the previous administration. …
Bring Ofori-Atta back to account for Ghana’s debt – Majority Leader tells Minority
23 JulJoy Online
… Dr Amin Adam, who is the Member of Parliament for Karaga and Ranking Member on Parliament’s Finance Committee, made the remarks while addressing the press on Thursday, July 24, after Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson presented the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review to Parliament. …
Amin Adam describes 2026 Budget as ‘bones without meat’, accuses gov’t of failing Ghanaians
23 JulJoy Online
… Speaking shortly after Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson presented the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review to Parliament on Thursday, July 23, Mr Afenyo-Markin launched a strong critique of the government’s economic management and warned that citizens would judge the administration …
You are on the way to opposition in 2028 – Afenyo-Markin tells NDC
23 JulJoy Online
… Cassiel Ato Forson presented the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review, Mr. Afenyo-Markin accused the government of engaging in what he described as political persecution through the prosecution and imprisonment of opposition figures. …
Stop threatening NPP MPs with prosecution, you will be in opposition in 2028 – Afenyo-Markin warns AG
23 JulJoy Online
Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson says the government will introduce a new COCOBOD Bill aimed at modernising the governance and financing of Ghana’s cocoa sector, with a commitment to ensure cocoa farmers receive not less than 70% of the gross Free-on-Board (FOB) price. …
Gov’t to introduce new COCOBOD Bill, guarantees cocoa farmers 70% of FOB price
23 JulJoy Online
… Reacting to the 2026 Mid-Year budget statement presented by the Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, in Parliament on Thursday, July 23, Mr Afenyo-Markin claimed the government had become intolerant of criticism and was using threats of prosecution to silence dissent. …
Imprison all NPP MPs, we will still hold you accountable – Afenyo-Markin to government
23 JulJoy Online
The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, presented the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review to Parliament on Thursday, July 23, highlighting what he described as strong signs of economic recovery under the Mahama administration. …
Full text: 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review
23 JulJoy Online
The government has distributed more than 24,000 pieces of medical equipment as part of efforts to strengthen primary healthcare delivery across the country, the Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced. …
Over 24,000 medical equipment distributed to health facilities nationwide – Ato Forson
23 JulJoy Online
… Reacting to the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Statement presented by the Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, in Parliament on Thursday, July 23, the Minority leader said that the statement lacked concrete policy interventions to address key national challenges. …
Mid-Year budget review uninspiring; government must ‘walk the talk’ – Afenyo-Markin

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 →