Ghana’s Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has unveiled the financial allocations for the country’s 2025 budget, focusing on critical sectors such as education, infrastructure, social protection, and disaster relief, as part of the government’s broader strategy for economic recovery and development.
In a statement on Monday, Dr. Forson outlined 19 key budgetary allocations, which aim to address immediate concerns while laying a foundation for sustainable long-term growth in the nation. The allocations reflect the government’s commitment to improving the quality of life for citizens through investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and disaster relief efforts.
Among the notable allocations are:
- Big Push Programme – GH¢13.85 billion (US$892.9 million), a major initiative designed to boost economic growth through infrastructure development.
- No-Academic-Fee Policy for First-Year Students in Public Tertiary Institutions – GH¢499.8 million (US$32.2 million), supporting students with financial barriers to higher education.
- Distribution of Free Sanitary Pads to Female Students – GH¢292.4 million (US$18.9 million), addressing menstrual health challenges faced by young girls in schools.
- Support for Victims of the Akosombo Dam Spillage – GH¢242.5 million (US$15.65 million), allocated for rebuilding efforts in communities affected by the 2023 disaster.
- Support for Victims of the Tidal Wave Disaster in Ketu South – GH¢200 million (US$12.9 million), to assist displaced families and rebuild infrastructure.
- Free Secondary Education Programme – GH¢3.5 billion (US$225.8 million), continuing the government’s commitment to providing quality secondary education without tuition fees.
- Comprehensive Provision of Free Curricula-Based Textbooks – GH¢564.6 million (US$36.4 million), ensuring that all public schools have the necessary learning materials.
- School Feeding Programme – GH¢1.788 billion (US$115.7 million), aiming to provide nutritious meals to students in public schools across the country.
- Capitation Grant – GH¢145.5 million (US$9.4 million), further enhancing access to education at the basic level.
- Teacher Trainee Allowances – GH¢203 million (US$13.1 million), providing financial support to aspiring teachers.
- Nursing Trainee Allowances – GH¢480 million (US$30.9 million), aimed at supporting individuals training for careers in healthcare.
- National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) – GH¢9.93 billion (US$640.6 million), continuing efforts to ensure affordable healthcare for all Ghanaians.
- Ghana Road Fund – GH¢2.81 billion (US$181.3 million), supporting road construction and maintenance across the country.
- District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) – GH¢7.51 billion (US$484.5 million), allocated to support local governance and development projects.
- Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA) – GH¢1.5 billion (US$96.8 million), aimed at transforming the agriculture sector to promote food security and rural development.
- Seed Fund for the Establishment of the Women’s Development Bank – GH¢51.3 million (US$3.3 million), supporting women-led businesses and economic empowerment initiatives.
- National Apprenticeship Programme – GH¢300 million (US$19.4 million), designed to provide vocational training and skills development for youth.
- ‘Adwumawura’ Programme – GH¢100 million (US$6.5 million), a program aimed at improving the country’s workforce skills.
- National Coders Programme – GH¢100 million (US$6.5 million), intended to support the digital skills development of young Ghanaians.
The total budget allocation for 2025 across these sectors amounts to GH¢43.3 billion, approximately US$2.79 billion, based on the current exchange rate of GHC15.50 to 1 USD.
President John Dramani Mahama has emphasized that these financial commitments are essential to creating an environment conducive to economic recovery, youth empowerment, and equitable development in Ghana. He noted that the government’s focus on infrastructure development, disaster recovery, and social services will lay a strong foundation for long-term growth and national prosperity.
The budget allocations aim to further bolster Ghana’s economic recovery, promote job creation, and enhance the delivery of public services, marking a continued commitment to the country’s future stability and progress.
