The Government has allocated GH¢401 million to the Women’s Development Bank in the 2026 budget to provide affordable financing for women-owned micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the country.
Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson announced the allocation during the presentation of the 2026 Budget Statement in Parliament on Thursday, November 13, 2025.
“Mr. Speaker, to crowd-in finance for women-owned MSMEs, we are providing another GH¢401 million to the Women’s Development Bank,” Dr Ato Forson stated.
He highlighted that the funds will support entrepreneurs such as Lamisi Adam, Priscilla Yovu, and Caroline Sfeir, whom he met during stakeholder engagements at the Takoradi Market Circle and Kotokoraba Market in Cape Coast.
“The GH¢401 million allocated to the Women’s Development Bank will deliver affordable finance to small businesses and entrepreneurs,” the Minister added.
Dr. Ato Forson emphasized that the allocation forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to promote financial inclusion and economic empowerment for women, building on previous support to the bank since its establishment.
The Women’s Development Bank, initiated under the current administration, focuses on providing low-interest loans, capacity-building programmes, and business advisory services tailored to women in the informal and formal sectors.
The 2026 allocation follows a GH¢51.3 million allocation in the 2025 budget as seed capital for the establishment of the bank.