The Ghanaian Parliament is set to receive the government’s Business Statement and Economic Policy for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, on Tuesday, March 11. This presentation, mandated by Article 179 of the 1992 Constitution, will be delivered by the Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson. The announcement was made by Deputy Majority Leader, Mr. Kweku Ricketts-Hagan, during the presentation of the Business Statement for the week ending March 14. He urged all Members of Parliament to be present for this crucial presentation. Following the budget presentation, a post-budget workshop will be organized for all MPs to delve deeper into the details and implications of the proposed economic policies. Details regarding the venue and time of the workshop will be communicated subsequently.
The upcoming budget is expected to provide a comprehensive overview of the Ghanaian economy, outlining the government’s strategic policy proposals aimed at revitalizing and transforming the nation’s economic landscape. These policies will align with President John Dramani Mahama’s vision for Ghana’s economic future. The budget’s formulation has been informed by the recommendations emanating from the National Economic Dialogue held earlier in March. This dialogue served as a platform for stakeholders to contribute to the development of robust and effective economic policies.
Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister for Government Communications, revealed in a media briefing following the government’s inaugural Cabinet meeting that the policies enshrined in the budget will be directly influenced by the outcomes of the National Economic Dialogue. He further indicated that the Presidential Advisor on the 24-hour Economy, Mr. Gossie Tandoh, is actively preparing for the full implementation of President Mahama’s flagship policy aimed at transforming Ghana’s economic activities. The 24-hour economy initiative is expected to significantly boost economic productivity and create numerous employment opportunities.
The Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, informed the Cabinet about the precarious state of the economy, emphasizing that the situation is graver than anticipated prior to the elections. The first Cabinet meeting primarily focused on establishing benchmarks for the Ministers, encompassing briefings on critical areas such as security, the rollout plan for the 24-hour economy, the agricultural transformation agenda, and a comprehensive assessment of the current economic realities. The government is committed to addressing these challenges and implementing policies that will foster sustainable economic growth.
Parliament’s agenda for the ensuing week includes addressing 30 questions directed at seven ministers. Twenty-nine of these questions will be addressed orally, while one is designated as an urgent question. The ministers scheduled to appear before the House represent various portfolios, including Energy and Green Transition, Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Gender, Children and Social Protection, Lands and Natural Resources, Health, Foreign Affairs, and Roads and Highways. These question sessions provide a platform for Parliament to hold the executive branch accountable and ensure transparency in government operations.
Furthermore, a Committee of the Whole meeting is scheduled, where the Government Statistician will engage with MPs on Ghana’s statistical products, with a specific focus on digital platforms. This interaction aims to enhance MPs’ understanding of the nation’s statistical data and equip them with the necessary information to contribute effectively to policy discussions and decision-making processes. This engagement underscores the government’s commitment to data-driven policy formulation and transparent communication of statistical information. The comprehensive nature of the upcoming budget presentation, complemented by the various parliamentary engagements, highlights the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance in its pursuit of economic transformation.
