LIVE COVERAGE OF 2026 MID-YEAR BUDGET REVIEW 2026-07-23 20:19
Channel: JoyNews
Uploaded by JoyNews on 20260723
Categories: News & Politics
Tags: Ghana, Ghanaians, President Mahama, Akufo-Addo, YouTube, Breaking, YouTube Trends, YouTube News, YouTube Live, YouTube Search, YouTube Ghana, Trending in Ghana, Ghana Trends, Black Star Square, SONA 2026, Mahama, Parliament, Speaker, Bagbin, Minority, Majority, BOG ¢15B LOSS, Mid Year Budget Review 2026, Budget Review, Budget 2026, Ato Forson, Finance Minister, Finance Ministry, Economy, YouTube Trends live, Finance, Banks, Agriculture, Google, BoG, Fuel, Bank of Ghana, Viral, VLOG, LIVE The provided YouTube video features JoyNews’ comprehensive live coverage and analysis of the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review presented in the Parliament of Ghana. Key Highlights and Summary: The Budget Presentation: Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson delivered the mid-year fiscal policy review to Parliament [01:31:39]. He stated that the government was not seeking a supplementary estimate, meaning the 2026 appropriations remained unchanged, though a strategic realignment of internal expenditures was underway [01:32:16]. Macroeconomic Performance: The presentation highlighted strong economic indicators, including an overall GDP growth of 6.4% in the first half of 2026, single-digit inflation reported at 5.3% in June 2026, and a debt-to-GDP ratio dropping to 45% [02:04:53]. Tax and Revenue Reforms: The government reported increased revenue collection without introducing new tax handles, emphasizing improved compliance through artificial intelligence integration (such as the Publican AI trade solution at the ports) [01:47:37]. It also highlighted the abolition of several previous nuisance taxes and announced upcoming customs, excise, and VAT amendments [01:46:45, 03:48:42]. Sectoral Interventions & Initiatives: Discussions and policy updates covered the "Big Push" infrastructure program (including road and bridge construction like the Accra-Kumasi Expressway and the Afram Plains bridge), agricultural support mechanisms, funding for the sinking fund to address upcoming debt maturities, and updates on secondary education improvements [02:51:33, 04:14:14, 04:30:56]. Parliamentary Debates and Reactions: Following the presentation, members of the Majority side lauded the administration for fiscal discipline and stabilizing the currency, while the Minority caucus strongly criticized the government, labeling the budget as uninspiring, raising concerns about youth unemployment, cost of living pressures, and demanding answers regarding economic management [01:26:20, 03:37:18]. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onuD1rABmkw COVERAGE OF 2026 MID-YEAR BUDGET REVIEW JoyNews · 16K views
Viewer Discussion & Comments