Ato Forson Presents 2025 Budget on March 10

The Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, is set to present the 2025 Budget to Parliament on March 10, 2025.

This date has been proposed by the Finance Ministry and is awaiting Parliament’s approval. The presentation falls in line with the country’s Financial Administration Act, which mandates that the budget be presented before March 31 each year.

The upcoming budget will be the first full-year financial plan of the John Mahama administration, following the approval of an Expenditure in Advance of Appropriation in January. This mini-budget allowed the government to spend approximately GH₵68.1 billion between January and March 2025. As the full budget approaches, attention is focused on the government’s fiscal strategies, spending priorities, and economic recovery efforts.

The Finance Ministry has already issued broad guidelines to various ministries to aid in planning their spending and programme inputs for the 2025 fiscal year. These ministries have been directed to prioritize their spending, ensuring that funds are allocated to critical sectors while maintaining fiscal discipline.

The government aims to rationalize expenditure in 2025 as part of efforts to reduce Ghana’s debt stock. Ministries and government agencies have been given deadlines to submit their inputs for review before a final budget meeting is held. The emphasis on spending efficiency underscores the administration’s commitment to stabilizing the economy and managing public finances responsibly.

Key Focus

The 2025 Budget is expected to outline policies and programmes designed to reset the economy and stimulate job creation. A major highlight will be the implementation of the 24-Hour Economy Programme, a flagship policy of the Mahama administration aimed at enhancing productivity and employment opportunities.

Dr. Forson is also expected to announce the removal of several taxes, including: Betting tax, COVID-19 levy, and E-Levy.

While these tax cuts are likely to bring relief to businesses and individuals, they will also create an estimated GH₵10 billion revenue gap. The government will need to introduce alternative revenue measures or improve tax compliance to compensate for this shortfall.

Another critical issue that the budget will address is Ghana’s energy sector debt, which remains a significant challenge. The sector’s financial instability has the potential to derail economic recovery efforts. Last week, Dr. Forson met with key energy sector agencies to discuss possible solutions, highlighting the government’s proactive approach to resolving the issue.

IMF Programme

The 2025 Budget will be heavily influenced by Ghana’s ongoing programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The government must ensure that all fiscal policies and economic strategies align with the IMF’s requirements and recommendations.

A team from the IMF, led by Mission Chief Stephane Roudet, is currently in Ghana, holding discussions with government officials on budget preparations. These meetings are expected to conclude on February 14, 2025. The IMF’s involvement is crucial, as Ghana’s economic recovery strategy must balance growth with fiscal sustainability.

However, some economists have raised concerns that the IMF’s stringent conditions may limit the administration’s ability to implement its full economic agenda. Striking a balance between IMF directives and national priorities will be a key challenge for Dr. Forson and his team.

The 2025 Budget will serve as a crucial roadmap for Ghana’s economic trajectory under the new administration. With a focus on job creation, tax reforms, and fiscal consolidation, the government aims to foster economic stability and long-term growth.

The business community, investors, and citizens will be closely monitoring the budget presentation to assess the government’s approach to managing Ghana’s financial challenges while promoting economic development. The success of the budget will largely depend on the administration’s ability to implement its policies effectively while maintaining fiscal discipline.