Ghanaians want one thing from the 2027 Budget: jobs and relief from the high cost of living.
That is the clear message from a pre-budget survey by KPMG and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which found citizens want the country’s improving economy to finally show up in their pockets and workplaces.
Citizens’ priorities:
Jobs and youth employment lead the list, cited by 71% of respondents as the country’s top national priority. The cost of living follows at 54%, showing households are still under pressure despite the recent fall in headline inflation. Electricity supply was named by 34%, while 22% want stronger action against illegal mining, known as galamsey. The survey also shows the wider cost of galamsey – 90% of respondents say it damages the business environment.
What businesses want:
For businesses, the priorities mirror those of citizens. Business growth and competitiveness rank first at 59%, followed closely by job creation at 58%. Access to finance remains a major constraint for 36%, while 32% cite infrastructure development as a priority. The message is clear: create the conditions for businesses to expand, invest and employ more people.
Tax and power:
Businesses are also demanding certainty.90% say advance notice of tax changes is important for planning, and 64% want at least four months’ notice before new tax measures take effect. On power, only 36% describe the current electricity supply as reliable, reinforcing calls for improvements in distribution and service delivery. On finance, the report calls for measures to make credit more accessible and affordable, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises. It also calls for greater efficiency and transparency in public spending, with 44% of respondents expressing low confidence in how government spends.
Bottom line:
Economic stability must now mean better living conditions and stronger employment prospects.Households want more jobs and relief from the cost of living. Businesses want predictable taxes, reliable infrastructure and access to finance to support expansion.The task for government is to make its spending and policy priorities respond to these concerns, while creating an environment where businesses can grow and generate sustainable employment.
