By: Ashiadey Dotse
Parliament has approved GHS357 billion Appropriation Bill to fund government operations in 2026, paving the way for public spending to begin from January 1, 2026.
The bill, known as the Appropriation Number Two Bill, 2025, allows the government to withdraw money from the Consolidated Fund and other public funds to meet its expenditure plans for the year.
Under the 2026 budget, a total of GHS90.7 billion has been allocated for the compensation of employees. Out of this amount, GHS81 billion will be used to pay wages and salaries of public sector workers. An additional GHS29.8 billion has been set aside to clear outstanding payment arrears.
In a related development, the government has re-submitted the lithium mining agreement with Barari DV Ghana Limited to Parliament for consideration. The agreement was earlier withdrawn to allow for further consultations with key stakeholders.
The proposed deal includes a 5 percent royalty rate, which has generated public debate. Critics say the rate is lower than the 10 percent royalty agreed under the previous administration.
However, the government has assured Parliament that it is working towards broader reforms in Ghana’s mining royalty system to ensure fairness and long-term national benefit.
The approval of the budget followed debates by both the Majority and Minority sides of the House, reflecting differing views on government spending priorities for 2026.
