Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson presented the budget to Parliament on March 11, 2025, describing how funding will be disbursed to support social intervention programs and accelerate economic recovery.
Infrastructure and education receive significant allocations.
The Big Push Programme for infrastructure development received GH¢13.85 billion, the budget’s biggest allocation. The cash will be used to build roads, bridges, and other economic-development initiatives.Education also received substantial funding, with GH¢3.5 billion allocated to the Free Senior High School Programme to keep secondary education free.
Additionally, GH¢564.6 million has been set aside for textbooks, while GH¢499.8 million will fund the No-Academic-Fee policy for first-year students in public tertiary institutions.
In a move to address menstrual health in schools, GH¢292.4 million has been allocated for the free distribution of sanitary pads to female students in primary and secondary schools.
Other allocations in the education sector include GH¢203 million for teacher trainee allowances, GH¢480 million for nursing trainee allowances, and GH¢145.5 million for the Capitation Grant, which supports basic schools.
Healthcare
The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) will receive GH¢9.93 billion to improve healthcare services across the country.
In response to recent disasters, the government has allocated GH¢242.5 million to support victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage, while GH¢200 million has been set aside for those affected by tidal waves in Ketu South. The funds will go towards relief efforts and rebuilding communities affected by these disasters.
Funding for creating employment and agriculture
To combat unemployment, GH¢300 million has been set aside for the National Apprenticeship Programme, which would provide young people with vocational and technical skills. An additional GH¢100 million would be allocated to the National Coders Programme, which aims to improve IT skills.
To help female entrepreneurs, the government has granted GH¢51.3 million as a startup fund for the Women’s Development Bank.
The Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA) received GH¢1.5 billion to boost food production and help agribusinesses.
Financing for roadways and local development
The Ghana Road Fund will get GH¢2.81 billion for road building and maintenance.
The District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) will receive GH¢7.51 billion to support local government development projects.
The budget presentation by Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson highlights significant investments in various sectors to drive economic growth and social development. The allocation of GH¢13.85 billion to infrastructure development is a commendable step towards improving the country’s economic landscape. The focus on education, with substantial funding for free senior high school and other programs, underscores the government’s commitment to empowering the youth. Additionally, the emphasis on healthcare and disaster relief reflects a holistic approach to national development.
However, how will the government ensure transparency and accountability in the disbursement of these funds to achieve the desired outcomes?