The Minister of Finance, Dr. Ato Forson, has assured Ghanaians that the 2025 budget was developed through extensive consultations and will be implemented in collaboration with the Bank of Ghana to address critical economic concerns.
Presenting the budget before Parliament, Dr. Forson emphasized that the government engaged various stakeholders, including traders, business owners, and youth, to ensure the budget reflected the genuine needs and aspirations of the people. He noted that price and exchange rate stability remain the top concerns of Ghanaian businesses, as inflation and currency fluctuations continue to erode working capital and disrupt business planning.
“The 2025 budget is a culmination of the true aspirations of Ghanaians, expressed through engagement with diverse stakeholders,” he stated. “We recently engaged traders at major trading centers, including Makola Market, to listen to their concerns and gauge their expectations.”
A key revelation from these engagements, according to the Finance Minister, was that 321 pharmacists who were employed since June 2023 have not received their salaries. He assured Parliament that urgent measures would be taken to resolve the issue immediately.
“This conversation was an eye-opening experience—one that strengthened my belief that the voices of the youth matter in designing policies that directly impact their lives and future,” Dr. Forson noted.
He further acknowledged that Ghana’s democracy has been consolidated through yet another peaceful transition of power. However, he warned that the country’s youth faces an uncertain future due to rising unemployment and economic hardship. He urged the nation to choose the path of reform and transformation to reset Ghana’s economic model and redefine national priorities.
According to Dr. Forson, President John Mahama is committed to leading the nation through bold reforms that will restore hope and rebuild the country’s economic foundation.
“The people demanded decisive action and real solutions to the severe challenges that plague us,” he said. “This budget outlines far-reaching measures that will be implemented in close collaboration with the Bank of Ghana to effectively manage the exchange rate and inflation.”
The finance minister also announced that, for the first time, the government will engage the youth directly through social media as part of the budget consultation process, ensuring that young people have a say in policies that shape their future.
As Ghana embarks on this new economic path, the government is positioning itself to tackle longstanding challenges while prioritizing stability, growth, and prosperity for all.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Ebenezer Madugu
