Ghana’s government allocated nearly GH¢9 billion to its flagship social and economic programmes in 2024, a move seen as both a commitment to national development and a flashpoint for ongoing debate over public sector accountability and fiscal efficiency.
According to the latest Auditor-General’s report on the Whole-of-Government Accounts, total spending amounted to GH¢8.94 billion, with the largest portion—GH¢3.6 billion—dedicated to the Free Senior High School and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiatives. The education sector’s dominance in allocations reflects the administration’s prioritisation of human capital development.
However, analysts warn that such sizeable investments must be matched with measurable outcomes and improved delivery mechanisms. The Ghana School Feeding Programme, which received GH¢1.13 billion under the Ministry of Gender, continues to face complaints of delayed payments and food quality concerns, despite its critical role in public basic education.
In agriculture, the Fertiliser Subsidy Programme under Planting for Food and Jobs was funded with GH¢917.5 million. Yet, questions remain over the programme’s impact on crop yields and sustainability, especially in the face of climate vulnerabilities and rising food prices.
Social protection initiatives such as the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) received GH¢628.9 million, with the Youth Employment Agency and the Food Farmer Recovery Relief Programme receiving GH¢438 million and GH¢618 million respectively. While these interventions aim to cushion vulnerable populations, oversight institutions have flagged challenges with targeting, duplication, and leakage.
The report also lists GH¢533.5 million spent on nursing training allowances and GH¢113.4 million on teacher training and feeding. Meanwhile, subsidies for national examinations (BECE and WASSCE) stood at GH¢196.2 million, underlining the state’s continued support for universal access to education.
Other allocations included GH¢288.6 million for the National Identification Programme, GH¢240 million for the Ghana CARES post-COVID recovery strategy, and GH¢32.3 million for the One District One Factory (1D1F) initiative. The Student Loan Trust Fund received just GH¢2.27 million—a figure critics argue is insufficient given growing student needs and loan backlogs.
While the government maintains these expenditures are vital for national transformation, public finance experts are urging a shift from input-based metrics to outcome-based evaluations. Civil society organisations have also intensified calls for enhanced auditing mechanisms and greater parliamentary oversight, especially as Ghana navigates tight fiscal constraints under its ongoing IMF programme.
The Auditor-General’s report adds weight to these concerns, recommending periodic reviews and performance audits of all flagship programmes to ensure the country gets full value for its investment in social equity and economic resilience.
