Job creation and the rising cost of living have emerged as the top concerns Ghanaians expect the government to address in the 2027 Budget, according to a pre-budget survey conducted by KPMG and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The findings indicate that citizens want the country’s improving macroeconomic conditions to translate into tangible improvements in living standards, particularly through increased employment opportunities and reduced financial pressure on households.
About 71 per cent of respondents identified job creation and youth employment as the country’s most pressing national priority, making it the leading concern in the survey. The rising cost of living followed, with 54 per cent of respondents calling for urgent attention to the issue.\ The results underscore persistent household financial challenges despite the recent decline in headline inflation.
Electricity supply also featured prominently, with 34 per cent of respondents identifying it as a major priority, while 22 per cent called for stronger measures to tackle illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey. The survey further highlights the economic implications of illegal mining, with 90 per cent of respondents believing the practice negatively affects the business environment.
For businesses, the priorities largely mirror the concerns expressed by households. Business growth and competitiveness topped the list, cited by 59 per cent of respondents, closely followed by job creation at 58 per cent. Access to finance remains a significant challenge for 36 per cent of businesses, while 32 per cent identified infrastructure development as a key priority. The findings highlight the need for policies that create an enabling environment for businesses to expand operations, attract investment and generate employment.
Tax predictability and reliable electricity remain key business demands
The survey also outlines the expectations of businesses ahead of the 2027 Budget, particularly regarding tax policy and electricity supply. About 90 per cent of businesses consider advance notification of tax changes essential for effective planning, while 64 per cent want at least four months’ notice before new tax measures are implemented.
Reliable electricity supply is another major concern, with only 36 per cent of respondents describing the current power situation as reliable. This has reinforced calls for improvements in electricity distribution and service delivery. On access to finance, the report recommends policies aimed at making credit more accessible and affordable, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The survey also raises concerns about public expenditure, with 44 per cent of respondents expressing low confidence in the efficiency of government spending. This points to growing expectations for greater transparency, accountability and value for money in the use of public resources. Overall, the findings suggest that Ghanaians expect the 2027 Budget to go beyond maintaining macroeconomic stability and deliver tangible improvements in their daily lives.
While households are looking for more employment opportunities and relief from rising living costs, businesses want predictable tax policies, reliable infrastructure and easier access to financing to support growth. The challenge for government, therefore, will be to align its spending and policy priorities with these expectations while creating the conditions for businesses to expand and generate sustainable jobs.
