Ghana’s government allocated GH¢8.94 billion to major social and economic initiatives during 2024, according to the latest Auditor-General’s report on Whole-of-Government Accounts.
The expenditures, initiated under the previous Akufo-Addo administration, covered a wide range of programs aimed at education, agriculture, social welfare, and economic stimulation.
Education initiatives represented the largest share of spending. The Free Senior High School (SHS) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs consumed GH¢3.6 billion. Additional education-related costs included GH¢196.2 million for subsidies on the 2018 BECE and WASSCE examinations, GH¢113.4 million for teacher training allowances and feeding, and GH¢102.4 million for scholarships and capitation grants.
Social protection programs received substantial funding. The Ghana School Feeding Programme cost GH¢1.13 billion, while the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program was allocated GH¢628.9 million. Nursing training allowances accounted for GH¢533.5 million, and GH¢438 million was transferred to the Youth Employment Agency.
Agricultural support featured prominently, with GH¢917.5 million spent on fertilizer subsidies under the Planting for Food and Jobs initiative. The Food Farmer Recovery Relief Programme received GH¢618 million. Economic development programs included GH¢32.3 million for the One District One Factory (1D1F) initiative, GH¢45 million disbursed through MASLOC for microfinance, and GH¢240 million under the Ghana CARES program.
Other notable expenditures included GH¢288.6 million for the National Identification Programme, GH¢33.2 million for Arabic instructors, and GH¢7.4 million for Zongo Development Initiatives. The Student Loan Trust Fund received GH¢2.27 million.
While demonstrating significant investment in social interventions and economic revitalization, the report’s findings have intensified calls from policy analysts and civil society groups for enhanced scrutiny. Concerns regarding program effectiveness, transparency, and value for money persist, particularly in the context of Ghana’s ongoing economic recovery efforts under the current Mahama administration.
