More Ghanaians expect job creation in 2027 budget – KPMG/UNDP survey

A survey conducted by auditing and advisory firm KPMG in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has revealed that 71 percent of respondents want job creation and youth unemployment to be prioritised in the 2027 national budget.

The findings highlight employment as a major concern among Ghanaians as the country prepares for the new fiscal year.

The survey also found that 54 percent of respondents identified the cost of living as a key national priority, alongside the growing unemployment situation in the country.

The findings highlight the major issues businesses and citizens expect the government to address in the 2027 Budget, with job creation and youth employment emerging as the leading priorities.

On the country's tax regime, 90 per cent of respondents indicated that they wanted advance notice of proposed tax changes to enable them to plan effectively.

They called for at least four months' notice before any new tax measures are implemented.

The survey findings, which draw on responses from businesses and focus group discussions, point to optimism about Ghana's economic prospects, despite persistent challenges relating to access to affordable finance, reliable utilities and market demand.

Respondents also expressed conditional interest in the government's 24-Hour Economy Programme, while identifying job creation, youth employment and cash-flow constraints as key issues requiring attention.

Drawing on the findings, the report outlines four priority areas for policy consideration. These include enabling enterprise growth through affordable financing and predictable taxation; translating the 24-Hour Economy Plus (24H+) Programme and the New Economy agenda into productive investments; improving the value of public investments and strengthening financial discipline through effective coordination by the Value for Money Office; and safeguarding natural resources while accelerating green investment.

The report further provides evidence-based recommendations to inform discussions on the 2027 Budget, with particular emphasis on feasible investments, effective implementation and measurable outcomes for businesses and communities.

On taxation, the report noted that concerns among respondents extended beyond statutory tax rates to include complex filing procedures, payments to multiple authorities and short-notice policy changes.

It added that the leading preference for encouraging informal businesses to participate in the formal economy was increased education and awareness, followed closely by incentives for formalisation and the alignment of business licensing with tax registration.

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“Tax-related concerns extend beyond statutory rates. Respondents identified complex filing, payments to multiple authorities and short-notice changes as significant impediments. The leading preference for encouraging informal participation was greater education and awareness, followed closely by formalisation incentives and alignment of licensing with tax registration,” the report stated.

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