As part of his nationwide stakeholder consultations ahead of the 2026 Budget, the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has held an interactive session with traders at the Market Circle in Takoradi, Western Region.
The engagement formed part of the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure that the forthcoming budget reflects the lived experiences, expectations, and aspirations of ordinary Ghanaians.
Dr. Forson described the meeting with the traders as the highlight of his regional tour, noting that their insights were both “humbling and inspiring. It was clear that our efforts to stabilise the economy are beginning to bear fruit,” the Minister said after the interaction. “Many spoke of easing prices, renewed confidence, and a growing sense that the tide is finally turning in their favour.”
During the visit, the Finance Minister interacted with market women, small-scale traders, and transport operators, listening to their concerns about inflation, the cost of goods, and access to credit.
He assured them that the 2026 Budget would continue to prioritise measures aimed at consolidating macroeconomic stability while supporting small businesses and livelihoods.
This latest consultation mirrors a similar nationwide engagement carried out ahead of the 2025 Budget presentation, during which Dr. Forson visited market centres in Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale.
Those discussions helped shape several initiatives in the 2025 Budget, including targeted tax reliefs for small enterprises, expanded credit support for traders through the Ghana Enterprise Agency, and interventions to reduce food inflation.
Dr. Forson emphasised that such engagements are crucial to building a people-centric budget process.
“Economic policy must be informed by the voices of those who drive our local economies. These interactions guide us in crafting solutions that respond directly to the needs of Ghanaians,” he said.
The Minister is expected to present the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on Thursday, November 13, 2025, where he will outline the government’s fiscal strategies and policy priorities for the year ahead.
Source: Felix Nyaaba