2026 Budget and WASH Prioritization.
By: Mr. Ibrahim Musah
Ghana’s Minister of Finance, Dr. Ato Forson, is set to present the 2026 Economic Policy and Budget on the authority of H.E. President Mahama. Hon. Ato Forson will seek to deepen economic stability achieved in 2025 and outline policy measures to consolidate gains in the stability of the Ghana Cedi, ensure inflation continue its downward trend, and above all put in additional practical measures to ensure a stable exchange rate to boost business growth, and ensure economic growth come with job creation.
The Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) is highly expectant of increased budgetary allocation to the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) to tackle sanitation and hygiene to promote public health and consolidate the President policy directive on the 20% Common Fund Allocation to water and sanitation at the MMDA levels. The Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources (MWHWR) is anticipating huge surge in allocation to the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA) to propel the ongoing rural and small-town water sector reforms and ensure regulated water service delivery. Let’s remember that the Government vision is to attain 100% safe water and sanitation access rate to all people living in Ghana( everywhere) by 2030, which is just 5 years from now.
The Ghana WASH Sector Development Programme provides investment requirement of US$1.7 billion per annum to WASH financing to ensure equitable and gender responsive climate resilient WASH infrastructure and services. WASH in Health Care Facilities is also crucial to promote Infection, Prevention and Control (IPC) and enhance quality of health service delivery for a productive workforce. Making allocation for school WASH will also enhance quality of school contact hours and promote better learning outcomes.
The economic rationale and case for increased WASH sector investment will reflect in increased jobs through solid waste management under the 24-hour economy, latrine artisan training for the youth, and small water enterprises will enhance job availability and contribute to tax revenue for Government. Availability of safe WASH will reduce water borne diseases and produce a healthy work force to enhance productivity, economic growth and equitable development.
Dr. Ato Forson is really forcing to get the macro-economic fundamentals right, but Hon. remember the WASH sector, as an enabler of sustainable, equitable and gender responsive critical sector. WaterAid believes that WASH is a foundation of life, water is life, sanitation is dignity and hygiene is wealth. We look forward to increased budget for WASH in 2026 economic policy and budget of Ghana.