Africa-Press – Ghana. As the nation awaits the presentation of the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy on Thursday, November 13, residents of Kadjebi in the Oti Region have expressed mixed feelings about what the fiscal policy document may hold for them and the country at large.
While some residents remain pessimistic, arguing that the budget would bring little relief to ordinary Ghanaians, others were optimistic that recent signs of economic recovery will translate into policies that positively impact livelihoods.
Mr Frank Adjei-Worlanyo, a resident of R.C. Kpodzi, a suburb of Kadjebi, said he had little hope that the upcoming budget would address the needs of citizens, describing it as likely to be “hollow.”
He explained that the recent nine per cent base pay increase for public sector workers was not enough to cushion workers against the rising cost of living, and therefore, Ghanaians should not expect much from the Finance Minister’s presentation.
“The government keeps announcing figures that do not reflect the real situation on the ground. People are struggling to make ends meet, and I doubt this budget will change anything,” he lamented.
He added that what Ghanaians needed was a realistic and people-centred budget that prioritises job creation, reduces taxes on essential goods, and provides tangible support for small businesses rather than one filled with lofty promises and projections.
However, not all residents shared this sentiment.
Mr Kwabena Mensah, a trader and resident of Martin Kordzi, another suburb of Kadjebi, expressed optimism that the 2026 Budget would bring renewed hope to citizens, citing recent improvements in key economic indicators.
He pointed out that the decline in inflation and relative stability of the cedi against major currencies was encouraging signs that the economy was on a recovery path.
“With inflation going down and prices of some goods stabilizing, I believe this budget will focus on consolidating these gains and bringing more relief to ordinary Ghanaians,” Mr Mensah noted.
Some residents also called on the government to prioritise job creation, road rehabilitation, and investment in agriculture-particularly in rural communities like Kadjebi, where farming remains the main source of livelihood.
They urged the Finance Minister to allocate more resources to infrastructure and social services that would directly improve the quality of life for people in the Oti Region.
The 2026 Budget Statement, to be presented in Parliament on Thursday, is expected to outline the government’s fiscal policy direction for the coming year, including measures to sustain economic recovery and ensure inclusive growth.
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