The 2025 budget statement presented by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has been met with sharp criticism from the Minority Caucus in Parliament, who have labeled it as dishonest and uninspiring. The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, articulated their disapproval, highlighting the budget’s failure to address the nation’s pressing economic challenges and the absence of concrete solutions to stimulate growth and alleviate hardship. Central to their critique was the conspicuous omission of the much-anticipated “24-hour economy” initiative, a flagship program championed by the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) during their campaign. Afenyo-Markin questioned the government’s commitment to job creation, given the policy’s absence, suggesting that the promises made to the youth were merely illusory.
The Minority Leader’s condemnation extended beyond the missing “24-hour economy” policy. He emphasized the overall lack of inspiration and hope emanating from the budget, particularly regarding social intervention programs and economic relief measures. According to Afenyo-Markin, the budget failed to provide any tangible solutions for the challenges faced by ordinary Ghanaians. He argued that it lacked the necessary provisions to address critical issues such as unemployment, rising living costs, and access to essential services. The Minority’s stance reflects a deep skepticism regarding the government’s ability to deliver on its promises and improve the economic well-being of the citizenry.
Afenyo-Markin’s comments underscored the Minority’s perception of the budget as a document devoid of substance and genuine commitment to economic revitalization. He pointed to the absence of specific measures to address key sectors of the economy and the lack of a clear roadmap for sustainable growth. The Minority’s position is that the budget fails to inspire confidence in the government’s economic management and its ability to navigate the country towards prosperity. Their critique raises concerns about the government’s priorities and its understanding of the economic realities faced by the population.
The “24-hour economy” initiative, a key component of the NDC’s economic agenda, was touted as a transformative policy that would create numerous job opportunities and boost economic activity. Its absence from the budget, as highlighted by Afenyo-Markin, casts doubt on the government’s commitment to fulfilling this promise. The Minority Leader’s assertion that the policy’s omission reveals the illusory nature of the NDC’s job creation pledges resonates with the concerns of many Ghanaians who are seeking tangible solutions to unemployment and economic hardship.
The budget, while announcing the removal of certain taxes such as the electronic transaction levy (e-levy), the 10% tax on bet winnings, and the emissions tax, appears to have fallen short of the Minority’s expectations in terms of offering comprehensive economic relief. Afenyo-Markin’s criticism suggests that these measures, while welcomed, are insufficient to address the broader economic challenges facing the country. The Minority’s perspective is that the budget lacks a cohesive strategy for sustainable economic recovery and fails to address the root causes of the nation’s economic woes.
In summary, the Minority’s reaction to the 2025 budget statement has been overwhelmingly negative. They have characterized it as dishonest, uninspiring, and lacking in concrete solutions. The absence of the “24-hour economy” initiative, coupled with the perceived lack of social intervention programs and economic relief measures, has fueled their criticism. Afenyo-Markin’s remarks reflect a deep distrust of the government’s economic policies and its ability to deliver on its promises. The Minority’s stance suggests a significant divergence in views regarding the budget’s effectiveness and its potential impact on the lives of ordinary Ghanaians.
