The Institute observed that the sharpest reduction occurred in capital expenditure, spending on infrastructure and other productive investments that support long-term economic growth. While the government budgeted approximately GH¢36.6 billion for capital projects during the first half of the year, it spent only about GH¢21.7 billion, leaving capital expenditure roughly 41% below target. "Capital expenditure is critical for growth and development. "The delayed capital expenditure goes against the Big Push programme that government has emphasised," Prof. Osei observed. Capital expenditure was the hardest hit, and that raises serious questions about the cost of stabilisation."