2026 MID-YEAR BUDGET REVIEW: Government Deposits GH¢400 Million to Support Establishment of Women Development Bank
Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has announced that the government has deposited GH¢400 million as initial capital for the proposed Women Development Bank, marking a major step towards the establishment of a dedicated financial institution for women entrepreneurs.
Speaking during the presentation of the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review in Parliament on Thursday, July 23, 2026, Dr Forson said the Ministry of Finance had transferred the funds into an account at the Bank of Ghana to satisfy the capital requirement for the bank’s operating licence.
He disclosed that the institution was incorporated as WDB Ghana Limited on January 21, 2026, paving the way for the government to submit an application to the Bank of Ghana for the necessary banking licence.
According to the Finance Minister, the Women Development Bank is expected to begin full operations before the end of 2026.
The initiative is aimed at improving access to affordable financing for women-owned businesses and providing greater support for women entrepreneurs seeking to expand their enterprises and contribute to economic growth.
Dr Forson also defended the government’s spending priorities, rejecting suggestions that insufficient resources were being allocated to development.
He maintained that public funds were being managed responsibly under a policy of fiscal discipline, adding that the government would continue to operate within its financial capacity while directing resources towards investments that support national development and sustainable economic growth.
