A recent pre‑budget survey conducted by KPMG and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) revealed that job creation and the cost of living are the top concerns for Ghanaians as they look ahead to the 2027 Budget. 71% of respondents identified jobs and youth employment as the country’s foremost priority, while 54% cited the rising cost of living as the second most pressing issue.
Other significant concerns included electricity supply, with 34% of participants ranking it as a priority, and illegal mining (galamsey), which 22% want the government to tackle more aggressively. 90% of respondents believe illegal mining harms the business environment.
For businesses, growth and competitiveness topped the list at 59%, followed closely by job creation at 58%. 36% of firms pointed to access to finance as a major constraint, and 32% highlighted infrastructure development as a priority. 90% of businesses said advance notice of tax changes is essential, with 64% wanting at least four months’ notice before new tax measures take effect.
Only 36% of respondents consider the current power supply reliable, underscoring the need for improved distribution and service delivery. The survey also called for greater efficiency and transparency in public spending, with 44% expressing low confidence in government expenditure.
The findings suggest that the 2027 Budget should translate macroeconomic improvements into tangible benefits for households and businesses alike, creating an environment conducive to expansion, investment, and sustainable employment.
