The Institute of Financial and Economic Journalists (IFEJ) has urged government to avoid introducing new taxes and levies that increase the financial burden on households and businesses in the upcoming 2026 Budget.
Mr. Roger Agana, Acting Head of IFEJ, said government should instead focus on efficient revenue mobilisation, broadening the tax base, and strengthening digital tax administration to enhance compliance and reduce wastage.
Speaking ahead of the national budget presentation on Thursday, Mr. Agana said fiscal policy must aim to support economic growth, control inflation, manage public debt, and reduce deficits, while maintaining discipline and credibility in public finances to reinforce investor confidence.
“We expect clear commitments on expenditure control and targeted investment in key sectors that drive jobs, private sector growth, infrastructure, agriculture, and social protection,” he said. “Equally important is transparency in borrowing and debt-servicing strategies, as these affect Ghana’s reputation in international capital markets.”
He said the Institute was looking for a credible, inclusive, and reform-oriented budget that tells a coherent story of accountability and economic renewal rather than merely presenting large spending figures.
According to him, such a narrative will help journalists communicate the budget’s real implications to the public, businesses, and policymakers.
“The media has a duty to translate complex fiscal policies into clear, relatable information that supports public understanding and accountability,” he said.
Mr. Agana reaffirmed IFEJ’s commitment to providing expert analysis and data-driven coverage of the 2026 Budget to ensure informed national debate and effective policy monitoring.
Supporting the call, Mr. Samuel Adjei Kwarteng, a journalist and member of IFEJ, said the budget should prioritise policies that promote entrepreneurship, job creation, and skills development, particularly for young people.
“The budget must make room for investment in innovation and digital infrastructure so that the youth can tap into emerging economic opportunities,” he said.
He also called on the government to take bold steps to address youth unemployment and expand social protection systems to ensure that the benefits of economic growth are equitably distributed.
“The gains of growth should reach everyone, not just a few sectors of society,” he added.
