In a highly anticipated address to Parliament today, March 11, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson unveiled the 2025 national budget, outlining a comprehensive plan to drive economic growth, improve public services, and enhance the welfare of Ghanaians.
The maiden budget under Mahama’s second term, titled “Building a Resilient and Inclusive Economy for Prosperity,” prioritises key sectors such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and agriculture while also addressing fiscal consolidation and debt sustainability.
While the previous government pegged its total expenditure outlay at GH₵226.7 billion in 2024, the new government is projecting GH¢269.1 billion for its ambitious policies.
Dr. Ato Forson explained that “total expenditures (commitment) for 2025 has been programmed at GH¢269.1 billion (20.7% of GDP) down from GH¢279.2 billion (26.0% of GDP) in 2024”.
The expenditure targets various sectors, including infrastructure development, education and skills development, healthcare, agriculture, social protection, as well as fiscal consolidation and debt management.
While many have praised its focus on infrastructure and social welfare, others have expressed concerns about the feasibility of implementation amid global economic challenges.
As the debate on the 2025 budget takes centre stage in offices, on the streets and on social media, below is a summary of the key allocations to various sectors or programmes: