Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson today presented the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament, underscoring the government’s commitment to delivering on its promises and implementing policies aimed at stabilizing the economy and improving the lives of Ghanaians.
In his speech, Dr. Forson emphasized the significant progress the government has made in delivering on its commitments, with a series of bold actions and policies that are already making a positive impact on the nation.
He reiterated the government’s focus on creating a lean, efficient, and effective administration while addressing key concerns such as education, healthcare, economic growth, and debt management.
“We are making progress,” Dr. Forson declared, as he outlined the various promises the government has already fulfilled or is actively working to implement.
Here are some of the key deliverables the government has made:
- Lean and Efficient Government: The government committed to running a lean and efficient government with 60 ministers—and it has delivered on this promise.
- E-Levy Scrapping: The government has successfully scrapped the controversial E-Levy, delivering on its promise to ease the burden on Ghanaians.
- Betting Winnings Tax: Another key promise fulfilled was the scrapping of the Betting (winnings) tax, aiming to provide a fairer taxation system for Ghanaians.
- Free Education for First-Year Public Tertiary Students: The government has delivered on its commitment to eliminate academic fees for first-year public tertiary students, easing the financial burden on families.
- Free Tertiary Education for People with Disabilities: The government has provided free tertiary education for all persons with disabilities, ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens.
- Dedicated Funding for Free Secondary Education: Dr. Forson highlighted the establishment of a dedicated funding source for free secondary education, making quality education more accessible.
- Sanitary Pads for Schoolgirls: The government has fulfilled its promise to distribute sanitary pads to schoolgirls, promoting hygiene and ensuring that girls stay in school.
- Uncapping of the GETFund, NHIL, and Road Fund: The government has uncapped key funding sources for education and infrastructure development, ensuring more resources are allocated where they are needed most.
- National Dialogues and Forums: As part of its commitment to fostering a constructive national dialogue, the government has already held a National Forum on Education and a National Dialogue on the Economy.
- Free Primary Healthcare: Dr. Forson emphasized that the government is delivering on its promise to provide free primary healthcare, ensuring that all Ghanaians have access to essential medical services.
- MahamaCares Programme for Non-Communicable Diseases: The MahamaCares programme, aimed at financing the treatment of non-communicable diseases, is already being implemented to improve healthcare access.
- Free Textbooks for School Children: The government has committed to providing free textbooks to schoolchildren to support quality education.
- Sustainable Debt Management: Dr. Forson assured the nation that the government is actively working on sustainable debt management to ensure fiscal stability.
- Infrastructure Development: The government is implementing the US$10 billion Big Push Programme to accelerate infrastructure development across the country.
- Constitutional Review Process: A commitment to a constitutional review process is also underway, ensuring that Ghana’s laws and governance structures continue to evolve in line with the country’s needs.
- Operation Recover All Loot: The government is also focused on recovering looted state funds through the “Operation Recover All Loot” programme, strengthening accountability and transparency.
- Resetting Ghana: Dr. Forson concluded by affirming that the government is on track with its overarching goal to reset Ghana, making significant strides towards economic recovery and national development.
The 2025 Budget outlines the government’s roadmap for the year ahead, including strategies to stabilize the economy, tackle inflation, and create a favorable environment for business growth.
With a focus on fiscal discipline, infrastructure investment, and social welfare, the budget aims to guide the country through a period of recovery and growth. As the government continues to deliver on its promises, all eyes are now on how these initiatives will unfold in the coming year, shaping Ghana’s future for generations to come.
NAYA
