The 2025 budget presented by Ghana’s Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, under the newly elected National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, has been lauded by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga as a testament to the party’s swift fulfillment of its campaign promises. Ayariga emphasized the budget’s comprehensive approach, catering to diverse segments of the Ghanaian population, from market women to students, while simultaneously addressing critical economic and social challenges. The budget’s focus on shifting the gold industry from illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) to legitimized production underscores the government’s commitment to sustainable economic development and environmental protection. This strategic move aims to not only bolster the economy but also address the devastating environmental consequences of unregulated mining practices.
The Majority Leader highlighted the budget’s alignment with the NDC’s core values of economic stability, job creation, and fostering hope among Ghanaians. He underscored the belief that the budget’s provisions, if effectively implemented, will contribute significantly to improving the lives of ordinary citizens and strengthening the nation’s overall economic outlook. This proactive approach to governance, according to Ayariga, demonstrates the NDC’s commitment to making Ghana a more prosperous and equitable nation for all. Furthermore, he expressed confidence that the budget’s positive impact would resonate with the electorate, potentially weakening the opposition New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) political standing and hindering their prospects for a return to power.
A key aspect of the 2025 budget is the removal of several taxes deemed “nuisance” taxes, including the highly contested e-levy, betting tax, emissions tax, and COVID-19 tax. The elimination of these taxes is intended to provide relief to individuals and businesses, stimulate economic activity, and simplify the tax system. The e-levy, in particular, had been a source of significant public discontent, and its removal signals the government’s responsiveness to public concerns. This move is projected to boost consumer spending and encourage investment, contributing to broader economic growth. By streamlining the tax system and removing these levies, the government aims to create a more conducive environment for businesses to thrive and for citizens to prosper.
In addition to tax relief, the budget prioritizes education through increased funding for the free Senior High School policy, a flagship program aimed at ensuring access to quality education for all Ghanaian children. This commitment to education underscores the government’s belief in its transformative power and its importance for national development. The budget also allocates resources for the “No Fees, No Stress” policy, further demonstrating the government’s dedication to removing financial barriers to education. This policy is designed to alleviate the financial burden on families and ensure that all children, regardless of their socioeconomic background, have the opportunity to receive a quality education.
The 2025 budget, as presented by the NDC government, represents a comprehensive approach to addressing Ghana’s economic and social challenges. It focuses on stimulating economic growth through strategic investments, providing tax relief to individuals and businesses, and prioritizing education as a key driver of national development. The removal of nuisance taxes, combined with increased funding for education, demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving the lives of ordinary Ghanaians and building a more prosperous and equitable nation. The Majority Leader’s confidence in the budget’s potential to enhance the NDC’s political standing reflects the party’s belief in the transformative power of sound economic policies and their resonance with the electorate.
The strategic focus on shifting the gold mining sector from illegal operations to legitimate production further emphasizes the government’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection. By addressing the negative consequences of galamsey, the government aims to not only bolster the economy but also safeguard the environment for future generations. This multifaceted approach to governance, encompassing economic growth, social welfare, and environmental sustainability, underscores the NDC’s vision for a more prosperous and resilient Ghana. The budget’s emphasis on fulfilling campaign promises signifies the government’s dedication to accountability and its commitment to delivering on its commitments to the Ghanaian people.
