Ghana’s 2025 Budget: Key Allocations and Government Priorities

Ghana’s 2025 Budget: Key Allocations and Government Priorities

Ghana’s Finance Minister, Cassiel Ato Forson, has officially presented the 2025 Budget and Economic Policy to Parliament, outlining key allocations across various sectors. This budget, the first under President John Dramani Mahama’s new administration, emphasizes economic recovery, social welfare, and infrastructural development.

Major Highlights from the 2025 Budget

The budget introduces several ambitious programs, with a strong focus on education, health, infrastructure, and social protection. Below are the key allocations:

1. Infrastructure and Economic Growth

GH¢13.85 billion – The Big Push Programme, a major infrastructure initiative aimed at accelerating national development.

GH¢2.81 billion – Ghana Road Fund to improve the country’s road network.

GH¢7.51 billion – District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) to empower local governance and community development.

2. Education Sector Investment

GH¢3.5 billion – The continuation of the Free Secondary Education Programme, ensuring that senior high school remains accessible to all.

GH¢499.8 million – Introduction of a No-Academic-Fee Policy for first-year students in public tertiary institutions, easing the financial burden on parents and students.

GH¢564.6 million – Provision of free curricula-based textbooks for students.

GH¢1.788 billion – School Feeding Programme to provide nutritious meals to school children.

GH¢145.5 million – Capitation Grant to support basic education.

GH¢203 million – Payment of teacher trainee allowances.

GH¢480 million – Payment of nursing trainee allowances.

GH¢292.4 million – Distribution of free sanitary pads to female students in primary and secondary schools, a significant step in promoting menstrual health and education.

3. Health Sector Funding

GH¢9.93 billion – Funding for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to improve access to healthcare services.

GH¢242.5 million – Support for victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage.

GH¢200 million – Relief funds for victims of the tidal wave disaster in Ketu South.

4. Job Creation and Skills Development

GH¢300 million – Investment in the National Apprenticeship Programme to equip youth with vocational skills.

GH¢100 million – Funding for the National Coders Programme, aimed at enhancing digital skills.

GH¢100 million – The Adwumawura Programme, a job creation initiative.

GH¢51.3 million – Seed funding for the establishment of the Women’s Development Bank, promoting financial empowerment for women.

5. Agriculture and Economic Transformation

GH¢1.5 billion – Investment in the Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA), aimed at boosting food security and agribusiness.

Conclusion

The 2025 Budget reflects the Mahama administration’s commitment to rebuilding the economy, enhancing social welfare, and investing in infrastructure. With significant allocations to education, health, and job creation, the government aims to foster economic transformation and improve the lives of Ghanaians.

The big question now is how effectively these funds will be utilized. As citizens, it’s crucial to monitor these projects and hold the government accountable for delivering on its promises.

Check out the latest update from Ghana’s Finance Minister on the 2025 Budget! https://x.com/Cassielforson/status/1899464095629201430

— Cassiel Ato Forson (@Cassielforson) March 2025