Rachel Appoh is a former MP for Gomoa Central
A former Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central in the Central Region, Rachel Appoh, says the 2026 Budget reflects the aspirations of Ghanaians.
She stated that Ghana’s 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy, presented to Parliament on Thursday, November 13, 2025, by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, marks a defining moment for the government’s economic agenda.
According to her, “The budget outlines measures to consolidate Ghana’s fragile post-crisis recovery while addressing public expectations for relief from the high cost of living and fostering growth in key sectors.”
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Speaking in an interview on Accra FM on November 19, 2025, Appoh, also a former Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, commended the John Dramani Mahama-led government for its allocation to support pro-poor programs, including the school feeding program.
She further urged policymakers to ensure “rigorous monitoring of all social intervention allocations to prevent leakages and guarantee that the intended beneficiaries receive full value.”
Appoh welcomed the directive requiring school feeding caterers to procure foodstuffs from local farmers, describing it as “a smart step toward strengthening the agricultural value chain and putting real money in the pockets of rural producers.”
She noted that this aligns with the government’s broader objective of expanding local production and reducing dependence on imported food commodities.
On infrastructure, Appoh highlighted the renewed focus on road development, especially the planned express routes within the Greater Kumasi enclave, as a major boost for commerce, transportation efficiency, and regional integration.
She added that improving road connectivity remains one of the most effective ways to stimulate economic activity and open up underserved communities.
Touching on macroeconomic indicators, she praised the government’s progress toward achieving single-digit inflation, arguing that price stability is essential for rebuilding household confidence and encouraging business expansion.
Appoh also lauded the planned capital injection into the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), saying it would “keep the lights on” and support the productivity of households and businesses.
She commended the decision to scrap the COVID-19 levy, describing it as timely relief for citizens already burdened by high living costs.
Appoh appealed to traders to reflect improvements in inflation and tax scrapping in the pricing of goods, insisting that consumers must feel the impact of macroeconomic gains at the market level.
She highlighted notable provisions in the 2025 budget, themed “Resetting the Economy for the Ghana We Want,” noting that the 2026 Budget would further consolidate the government’s gains.
These include debt reduction efforts, rationalized government expenditure, payroll sanitisation, and the abolition of taxes such as the e-levy and withholding tax on lottery winnings.
She emphasised that this combination of measures signals a renewed commitment to fiscal discipline and inclusive growth.
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