Finance Minister to Unveil 2026 Budget; Mahama Releases ₵200m for Maize Glut

Today's daily report shows significant developments across Ghana. In the construction sector, the price of 5" hollow concrete blocks has seen a notable increase to ₵7.5, marking a 15.38% rise since the start of the year. This market movement coincides with major national news, including the presentation of the 2026 Budget Statement, a presidential directive releasing ₵200 million to address a food glut, and a tragic stampede at a GAF recruitment exercise. Investor sentiment, meanwhile, appears strong as GCB shares hit an all-time high. Let's analyze the latest data and emerging trends shaping Ghana's economic landscape.

Market Movers: Construction Costs Shift

Today’s data highlights a significant cost pressure in the construction sector. The average price of a 5" hollow concrete block in Accra has climbed to ₵7.5. This represents a 15.38% increase from its ₵6.5 price point recorded in January 2025. Such a double-digit rise in a foundational building material directly impacts housing and infrastructure development, potentially increasing costs for individual home builders and larger construction projects. Alongside this, the market for high tensile iron rods remains stratified. Local rods are currently priced at ₵11,200 per ton, offering a cost-saving alternative to foreign-sourced rods, which are priced higher at ₵12,500 per ton. This ₵1,300 difference per ton underscores the ongoing dynamics between local production and imported materials, a key factor for contractors managing project budgets. These figures suggest that input costs for building continue to be a critical area to monitor for both commercial developers and private citizens.

Key Headlines: 2026 Budget Presentation and Agricultural Intervention

A primary focus today is on the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who is presenting the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament. This budget is particularly significant as it represents the first full-year fiscal plan of the new Mahama administration and is designed to guide Ghana's transition beyond its current IMF program. Market observers are closely watching for key policy decisions. These are expected to include potential reviews of tax laws, such as the VAT rate and the COVID-19 levy, aimed at simplifying the tax system and improving compliance. The budget is also anticipated to outline strategies for maintaining macroeconomic stability and managing debt obligations. For the general public and businesses, the most anticipated details will likely revolve around job creation initiatives, such as the "24-Hour Economy" program, and planned spending on infrastructure, education, and health. The credibility of the government's economic projections will be scrutinized as it seeks to build investor confidence and sustain the nation's economic recovery.

In a major development for the agricultural sector, President John Mahama has directed the release of GH₵200 million to address a surplus of maize and rice. This intervention comes in response to a market glut that has caused prices to fall, threatening the livelihoods of local farmers. The funds are designated for the National Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) to purchase this excess produce. This move appears to have a dual purpose: first, to stabilize market prices and prevent post-harvest losses for farmers, and second, to build national food reserves. This directive, part of the government's broader "FEED Ghana Programme," also includes measures for the poultry sector, instructing the Ghana School Feeding Programme to incorporate eggs into student meals to help manage a separate egg glut. The action suggests a government focus on food security and stabilizing agricultural markets.

Tragedy at GAF Recruitment Exercise

A tragic incident has overshadowed other news, as a stampede during a Ghana Armed Forces recruitment exercise at the El-Wak Sports Stadium resulted in the deaths of six young female applicants. Preliminary information from the GAF suggests an unexpected surge of applicants led to a crush at the gates before the screening process began. This event highlights the intense demand for formal employment, which may be linked to high youth unemployment. The large turnout was reportedly amplified by a recent one-week extension of the recruitment deadline. In response, President Mahama has ordered the immediate suspension of the recruitment exercise in the Greater Accra Region. A Board of Inquiry has been established by the GAF to investigate the incident's causes, ensure accountability, and recommend measures to prevent such a tragedy in the future.

Investor's Insight: GCB Shares Reach All-Time High

On the investor front, GCB shares have demonstrated remarkable performance, hitting an all-time high. According to the latest data, the stock has registered an 183% year-to-date growth. The share price has climbed steadily from ₵6.41 in January 2025 to ₵18.00 by November 2025. This strong upward trend suggests significant positive sentiment from investors. Such performance could be linked to the bank's financial health, broader market optimism, or positive reactions to the country's improving macroeconomic indicators. This substantial growth indicates that GCB has been a standout performer on the stock exchange this year.

Trending Topic: #2026Budget

The hashtag #2026Budget is dominating social media trends in Ghana today, and for several clear reasons. The primary driver is the presentation of the 2026 Budget Statement in Parliament by the Finance Minister. This is not just a routine fiscal update; it is the first full-year budget of the new administration and is seen as a critical blueprint for Ghana's path after exiting its IMF program next year. The public discussion is fueled by a context of strong, positive economic data, including GDP growth hitting 6.3% in Q2 2025, inflation dropping to 9.4%, and the cedi gaining 25.6% year-to-date. This has created a mix of high expectations and cautious optimism. Citizens and business groups are actively debating potential outcomes, from tax relief like a VAT cut, to demands for job creation and infrastructure spending. Expert analysis, live media coverage, and stakeholder warnings about prudent spending are all feeding into a massive online conversation, making it the central topic of the day.

Your Key Takeaways

Today's Cedi Board paints a complex but clear picture of Ghana's current landscape. Domestically, citizens are facing rising costs for essential building materials like concrete blocks, a pressure point for the housing sector. On the national policy front, two major government actions are in focus: a highly anticipated 2026 budget aimed at securing a post-IMF recovery, and an immediate financial intervention to stabilize the agricultural market and support farmers. This economic activity is set against a backdrop of a national tragedy, which highlights deep-seated social issues like youth unemployment. Despite these challenges, investor confidence appears robust, as evidenced by the exceptional year-to-date performance of GCB shares.

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