‘Azaa’ 2025 budget offers no hope to Ghanaians — Afenyo-Markin
The Minority Caucus in Parliament has described the 2025 budget statement as dishonest and uninspiring, claiming that it fails to provide genuine solutions to the country's economic issues.
Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu in the Central region, made these remarks in Parliament on Tuesday, March 11, after Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson presented the budget statement.
According to the Minority Leader, the much-touted "24-hour economy" initiative of National Democratic Congress (NDC) government was missing from the budget.
“Mr. Speaker, their much-talked about 24-hour economy, when the President came here, they said it was ready. The Finance Minister comes here, and again, the 24-hour economic policy is not included in his budget,” he pointed out.
He also stated that the policy's absence from the budget is a clear indication that the John Mahama-led NDC administration has no specific plan to fulfill its promise of job creation.
“The youth of this country have been waiting for this 24-hour economy policy. The Minister tells us the policy will be brought later. It is clear that all the jobs they promised the youth of this country were merely an illusion,” he said.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin stressed that the budget offered no real hope for Ghanaians, particularly in terms of social intervention programs and economic relief.
“There is no inspiration from this budget. There is no hope in this budget,” he stressed.
The 2025 budget, presented by Dr. Ato Forson, outlined the government’s fiscal policies and economic projections for the year.
Among other things, the Minister announced the removal of the controversial electronic transaction levy (e-levy), 10% tax on bet winnings as well as the emissions tax.