Mankessim Omanhen Ahead of Mid-Year Budget: ‘I Don’t Know What the Finance Minister Will Say, But the Economy Has Stabilised’

The Omanhen of the Mankessim Traditional Area and President of the Mankessim Traditional Council, Osagyefo Amanfo Edu VI, has expressed optimism about Ghana’s current economic conditions ahead of the presentation of the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.

Speaking during his Stool Purification ceremony held at the Pakesedo Events Centre in Mankessim on Wednesday, July 22, the traditional ruler said he was yet to know the details of the Finance Minister’s upcoming budget statement but acknowledged that the country’s economy has shown signs of stability in recent years.

According to Osagyefo Amanfo Edu VI, as a businessman, he has witnessed a significant improvement in market conditions, particularly with the prices of foodstuffs and other essential commodities becoming more stable compared to previous years.

He attributed the improvement to the relative stability of the Ghana cedi against the US dollar and the decline in inflation, which he said have positively impacted businesses and the purchasing power of workers.

The Omanhen disclosed that due to the improved economic environment, salaries of some of his employees have increased from about GH¢1,800 to more than GH¢2,500, reflecting the positive effects of the stabilising economy.

“I don’t actually know what the Finance Minister is about to say in the Mid-Year Budget, but from my perspective as a businessman, things have stabilised over the years. Prices are no longer rising the way they used to, and the cedi has become more stable against the dollar. I will be happy if Hon. Ato Forson introduces measures that will bring prices down even further,” he stated. 

He expressed hope that the Mid-Year Budget Review would introduce additional policies to reduce the cost of living, strengthen businesses, and further improve the livelihoods of Ghanaians.

The Finance Minister is expected to present the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review to Parliament on Thursday, outlining the government’s economic performance and policy adjustments for the remainder of the fiscal year.