Mid-Year Budget Review: Deloitte Africa Executive calls for better revenue mobilisation and focused flagship programmes

Yaw Appiah Lartey, Partner and Africa Leader for Infrastructure, Capital Projects and Real Estate at Deloitte Africa, welcomed aspects of the government's Mid-Year Budget Review, particularly measures aimed at improving the financing of capital projects, while urging authorities to strengthen revenue mobilisation and avoid duplication in the implementation of flagship programmes. Speaking on JoyNews' Newsfile on Saturday, July 25, Mr Appiah Lartey said Ghana's economic recovery efforts must go beyond expenditure controls and focus on sustainable revenue generation, efficient project financing and targeted interventions. He stated, "There may be some concern that has been raised. The first is that, historically, some of our capital expenditures have not had earmarked funds. We incur them and we have issues with contractors not being paid."

His comments followed the Finance Minister's Mid-Year Budget Review, which highlighted falling inflation, a stronger cedi, improved fiscal discipline, and renewed confidence in the economy. The Minority in Parliament, however, argued that the positive macroeconomic indicators do not fully reflect challenges such as reduced spending, delays in implementing flagship programmes, and questions over government priorities. Mr Appiah Lartey described the move towards ensuring that projects have identified funding sources before implementation as a positive step.