By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu
Keta (VR) Nov. 13, GNA- Residents of Keta Municipality in the Volta Region are pinning their hopes on the 2026 budget statement presentation, expecting relief from the current economic challenges.
They expressed optimism that the government would address pressing issues such as reducing commodity prices, strengthening the cedi against the dollar and other foreign currencies, and improving road infrastructure and others in the area.
Mr Simon Delali Ameko, a businessman at Abor, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said one of the key areas of focus was the Keta Port development, which had been the hope of many residents since 2017.
“We hope the government will prioritise the port project to potentially drive trade, employment, and growth in the municipality and region at large,” he said.
He said he was also hoping for improvements in social amenities such as education, healthcare, and employment opportunities with focus expected to be placed on job creation and private sector-led growth to benefit the local economy and curb unemployment rate in the area and the whole country.
Madam Celestine Gemadzi, another resident said the public was also expecting the government through the Minister of Finance to address the issue of inflation and strengthen the cedi against major currencies, particularly the dollar to bring down prices of goods and commodities as the Christmas season approached.
She said a stronger cedi would help reduce the cost of services and imported goods, thus, providing relief to businesses and consumers alike.
Dr Elikplim Apetorgbor, the Volta Regional Representative, National Development Planning Commission also emphasised that the Keta Port project was not just a Volta Region’s priority, but a national strategic imperative and should be prioritised in the 2026 budget.
He stated that the Keta Port development was expected to have a significant impact on the local economy by creating jobs and stimulating growth in the Volta Region saying, the project estimated to cost approximately $600 million would encompass port infrastructure, an entire logistics city with road and rail connections and supporting facilities.
Mr Anthony Dagadu, an Economist, also indicated that the 2026 budget should be designed to give back hope and courage to businesses and the public for better development and progress.
He said expectations were high for government to address issues in various areas such as road infrastructure, water, health, sports, agriculture, employment, cedi stability among others to give a sense of relief to the good people of Ghana.
Mr Dagadu explained that the government had a unique opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to the region’s development and economic growth through the 2026 budget by prioritising the Keta Port development and other critical infrastructure projects to facilitate unlocking the potentials of the region to drive national economic recovery.
Thursday’s budget statement to be presented by Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minister of Finance to the Parliament is also expected to outline the government’s plans for the 2026 fiscal year, including revenue projections and expenditure plans.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/ Christabel Addo