The pro-people, pro-growth, and decentralized stance of Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson’s 2025 budget are its most refreshing features. He mentioned some noteworthy budgetary topics:
LEAP Expansion: Increasing funding by 30.8% and expanding beneficiary households from 350,000 to 400,000 means more vulnerable citizens will receive financial assistance.
School Feeding Program Boost: Increasing per-child meal allocation from GH¢1.50 to GH¢2.00 makes a difference in child nutrition.
Capitation Grant Hike: A 73.2% increase in this grant strengthens basic education funding.
Trainee Allowances Secured: Continued commitment to teacher and nursing trainees ensures support for critical professions.
Road Fund Uncapped: The 155.5% budget increase for road maintenance (GH¢2.81 billion) is a game-changer for Ghana’s infrastructure.
NHIS Levy Uncapped: The GH¢9.93 billion allocation to health insurance ensures better access to healthcare services, including vaccines and primary care.
DACF Allocation Increase: More direct funding to district assemblies (GH¢7.51 billion) fosters true decentralization.
Economic Transformation through Agriculture and Entrepreneurship: GH¢1.5 billion for Agriculture under the Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA) signals real support for farmers and agribusiness.
Women’s Development Bank: A GH¢51.3 million seed fund exclusively for female entrepreneurs is an innovative move.
GH¢100 million for National Coders Programme: Prioritizing digital skills means preparing Ghana’s youth for the future.
GH¢300 million for the National Apprenticeship Programme: Bridging the skill gap for young people.
Ghana Can Make About $40 Billion Without IMF Assistance
GH¢100 million for the ‘Adwumawura’ Programme: Direct intervention to create employment opportunities.
Assembly Members’ Monthly Allowances: GH¢100 million earmarked to empower local governance, acknowledging their crucial role.
This budget directly addresses key socio-economic challenges—from rising cost of living to youth unemployment—by putting real money behind solutions. The removal of revenue caps on critical sectors (roads, health, local development) ensures that money goes where it matters most.
