Franklin Cudjoe, the Founding President of IMANI Africa, a prominent think tank in Ghana, has issued a call to action for the Minority Caucus in Parliament to elevate their strategic approach and present a more unified front in articulating alternative governance visions. Cudjoe emphasizes the importance of learning from past errors and crafting a policy direction that is not only clear and concise but also actively engages the citizenry. This call comes in the wake of the 2025 budget presentation, a pivotal moment in Ghana’s political landscape, and reflects a growing demand for more effective and participatory governance.
Cudjoe’s commentary extends beyond the opposition, encompassing praise for President John Dramani Mahama’s perceived honesty in the 2025 budget statement. He suggests that Mahama is steering Ghanaian politics away from a perception of deception and toward a renewed emphasis on fulfilling promises. This shift is underscored by the alignment between the President’s campaign pledges and the budgetary allocations, with a focus on addressing fundamental needs such as healthcare, education, and food security. Cudjoe commends the budget’s straightforward approach, devoid of political jargon and slogans, prioritizing tangible resource allocation toward these human-centered initiatives.
The budget, presented by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, proposes the removal of several taxes deemed “nuisance” taxes, including the contentious e-levy, betting tax, emissions tax, and COVID-19 tax. This move is likely to be a popular one, as these taxes have been the subject of considerable public debate and criticism. Additionally, the budget outlines increased funding for the free Senior High School (SHS) policy, a flagship program aimed at improving access to education, and allocations for the “No Fees, No Stress” policy, further emphasizing the government’s commitment to social development.
IMANI Africa’s call for a more strategic opposition serves to highlight the crucial role of checks and balances within a democratic system. A robust and effective opposition is essential for holding the government accountable, scrutinizing policies, and presenting alternative perspectives. By urging the Minority Caucus to adopt a more coherent and participatory approach, Cudjoe emphasizes the need for a more dynamic and engaging political discourse, one that moves beyond mere criticism and offers viable alternative solutions to the nation’s challenges. This call for strategic coherence resonates with the broader desire for a more responsive and representative government.
The alignment between President Mahama’s campaign promises and the 2025 budget is significant in shaping public perception and building trust in the political process. By translating campaign rhetoric into concrete budgetary allocations, the government aims to demonstrate a commitment to its stated priorities and build public confidence in its ability to deliver on its promises. This focus on tangible action over political rhetoric could mark a shift in the political landscape, where accountability and demonstrable results are increasingly valued by the electorate.
The proposed removal of the “nuisance” taxes, coupled with increased funding for education, signals the government’s intention to address key public concerns and prioritize social investment. The e-levy, in particular, has been a source of contention, and its removal is likely to be welcomed by many. These budgetary decisions reflect an attempt to balance fiscal responsibility with social welfare, addressing both economic and social development needs. The impact of these measures on the overall economy and public well-being will undoubtedly be subject to close scrutiny in the coming months. The government’s commitment to these initiatives, and their subsequent implementation, will be crucial in determining the long-term impact on Ghana’s socio-economic landscape.
