The 2025 budget statement presented by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has been met with criticism from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), with its National Communications Director, Richard Ahiagbah, labeling it an “anti-climax” and an “underwhelming reset.” Ahiagbah’s central argument hinges on the budget’s perceived failure to address the pressing issues of the rising cost of living and unemployment – two key areas the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and President John Mahama campaigned heavily on during the 2024 general elections. Ahiagbah contends that the budget lacks concrete measures to alleviate the financial burdens faced by ordinary Ghanaians, suggesting that the NDC has fallen short of its promises to improve the lives of citizens. He further posits that the absence of tangible solutions within the budget foreshadows a worsening economic climate for the average Ghanaian.
Ahiagbah’s critique centers on the perceived disconnect between the NDC’s campaign rhetoric and the actual provisions within the 2025 budget. He highlights the lack of direct interventions aimed at cushioning Ghanaians against the escalating cost of essential goods and services, arguing that this omission contradicts President Mahama’s pre-election commitments. This perceived failure to address the cost of living crisis, Ahiagbah argues, casts doubt on the government’s ability to deliver on its promises and raises concerns about the potential for further economic hardship for the Ghanaian populace. The NPP spokesperson suggests that the only reason public outcry hasn’t manifested is due to the inherent patience of Ghanaians, implying a simmering discontent that could potentially erupt if the government fails to address these critical issues.
Focusing on the unemployment challenge, Ahiagbah points to the absence of clear financial commitments towards implementing the proposed 24-hour economy initiative. This omission, according to him, signals a lack of seriousness in tackling unemployment, another key promise made by President Mahama during the election campaign. Ahiagbah argues that the budget’s silence on funding for this initiative suggests that unemployment will likely persist as a significant problem, further undermining the government’s credibility and potentially exacerbating existing socio-economic challenges. He contends that the budget’s allocation priorities appear misplaced, highlighting the significant resources earmarked for the Office of Government Machinery while comparatively smaller amounts are allocated to job creation and skills development programs.
To underscore his point, Ahiagbah provides a breakdown of budgetary allocations, comparing the substantial GH¢2.711 billion allocated for compensation within the Office of Government Machinery to the combined GH¢2.051 billion budgeted for five key job and skills development initiatives. These include the Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA) at GH¢1.5 billion, the National Apprenticeship Program at GH¢300 million, the ‘Adwumawura’ Program at GH¢100 million, the National Coders Program at GH¢100 million, and the establishment of the Women’s Development Bank at GH¢51.3 million. He argues that this disparity in allocation demonstrates a misplaced focus, prioritizing administrative expenses over investments in programs designed to generate employment opportunities and empower citizens economically.
Ahiagbah’s critique essentially boils down to an accusation of a broken promise. He argues that the NDC, having campaigned on a platform of alleviating economic hardship and creating jobs, has failed to translate these promises into concrete action within the 2025 budget. The lack of targeted interventions to address the cost of living crisis and the absence of clear funding for job creation initiatives, according to Ahiagbah, expose a disconnect between the government’s rhetoric and its actual policy priorities. This perceived betrayal of the electorate’s trust, he suggests, could have significant consequences, eroding public confidence in the government and potentially fueling social unrest.
In conclusion, Ahiagbah’s critique of the 2025 budget paints a picture of a government failing to deliver on its core campaign promises. He argues that the budget’s inadequacies in addressing the cost of living crisis and unemployment will not only exacerbate existing economic hardships but also undermine public trust in the NDC government. His analysis suggests that the budget, rather than offering a “reset” as claimed by the government, represents a continuation of existing economic challenges, potentially leading to greater hardship and disillusionment among the Ghanaian populace. The disparity in budgetary allocations, prioritizing administrative expenses over job creation and skills development programs, further reinforces Ahiagbah’s argument that the government’s priorities are misplaced and do not reflect the needs of the people.
