Collins Sefa Government is preparing to shift toward localised budgeting for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in an effort to close development gaps and improve accountability as the 2030 deadline approaches, Budget Director at the Ministry of Finance, Isaac Fraikue, has announced.
Speaking at the launch of the 2023 SDG Budget and Expenditure Report in Accra, Mr. Fraikue said the new approach will enable more precise tracking of progress across districts while strengthening the alignment between national SDG targets and real outcomes on the ground.
According to him, the shift supports government’s broader objective of improving transparency, integrating stronger data systems, and ensuring that SDG commitments are fully reflected in spending decisions at all levels.
Mr. Fraikue noted that public institutions are increasingly aware of how their programmes link with specific SDGs—an encouraging sign that “generally, we are conscious” of the commitments. However, he admitted that targets such as Zero Hunger require more learning and strategic adjustments to accelerate implementation.
The 2023 report provides detailed budget allocations, expenditures, policy measures and progress across ministries and districts. Mr. Fraikue described it as “an explicit and measurable account” of how SDG targets are integrated into Ghana’s chart of accounts, enhancing the ability to identify gaps and take corrective action promptly.
Chief Director at the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Patrick Nomo, highlighted a significant rise in SDG-related spending—from GH¢83billion in 2022 to GH¢188billion in 2023—which he said reflects the state’s commitment to improving health, education, social protection and human capital.
“This is not only a report but a demonstration of our commitment,” he said, urging development partners to intensify support with just five years left to the global SDG deadline.
UNICEF Country Representative, Osama Makkawi Khogali, welcomed the inclusion of child-specific indicators in the latest SDG budget report, noting that it provides clearer insight into how resources support children’s well-being. He stressed the need for targeted investment, citing data showing that 73 percent of Ghanaian children face multidimensional poverty.
He added that with millions of young people entering the electorate every four years, prioritising children’s welfare is vital for Ghana’s political and economic stability.
