Ghana has released its 2023 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Budget and Expenditure Report, demonstrating a significant increase in funding for SDG-related initiatives. The report indicates that spending on these goals rose from GH¢83 billion in 2022 to GH¢180 billion in 2023. Government officials stated that this rise reflects the integration of SDG financing into the national budgeting framework, aiming to ensure development efforts are matched with measurable expenditures.
The launch of the report received strong praise from UNICEF, which called Ghana’s SDG accountability system one of the most advanced and transparent globally. According to UNICEF, only a few countries have adopted detailed tracking systems linking budget allocations directly to SDG targets.
“There are very few countries that have been brave enough to take this step, to really have this kind of accountability tool in place,” said Ms. Paulina Sarvilahti, Chief of Social Policy and Inclusion at UNICEF Ghana. “It’s laudable that the Ministry of Finance is a frontrunner in this. Ghana’s data-driven approach provides a solid foundation for accelerated progress.”
Ms. Sarvilahti also noted that despite ongoing global challenges such as economic pressures and the impact of COVID-19, Ghana’s resource tracking system positions it well for further progress toward its SDG targets. “Overall, it’s great that we have this strong commitment from the government and that there is really a strong push towards this,” she said.
For the first time, the 2023 report includes indicators specific to children—a development described by UNICEF as an important milestone. UNICEF Country Representative Mr. Osama Makiawi Khogali pointed out that these additions help direct investments more effectively toward children, who still face high levels of deprivation in Ghana. He highlighted data showing that 73 percent of Ghanaian children experience multidimensional poverty while 28 percent live in monetary poverty.
“Ghana has made important progress, but we must be more targeted, more decisive,” he said. “As we observe World Children’s Day, this report reminds us that investing in children is investing in the nation’s long-term development.”
Mr. Isaac Fraikue, Director of Budget at the Ministry of Finance, expressed confidence about reaching the SDGs by their deadline. He explained that tracking related to SDGs is now part of regular government operations and helps policymakers address gaps as they arise.
“We will definitely meet the targets by the time they are due because we are working so hard as a country,” he noted. “Developing this report is more than just tagging and tracking budgetary applications and associated expenditures. It tells the story of Ghana’s development journey, reflecting our resolve to ensure that no one is left behind whilst aligning our national priorities with a shared global vision for a better future.”
Mr. Fraikue also mentioned plans to localize future reports so district authorities can better plan and monitor SDG-related spending at local levels. He said enhanced stakeholder engagement and real-time data use would guide financial decisions moving forward.
At the launch event, representatives from UNICEF and civil society organizations called on government to continue prioritizing investment in social protection programs, education outcomes, child nutrition initiatives and maintain transparency in reporting mechanisms.