2025 Budget: Gov’t allocates $279m to GOLDBOD, GH¢13.85bn to Big Push, GH¢242.5m for Akosombo victims

Parliament House, Accra, Ghana - 11 March, 2025 - Ghana's government has unveiled a comprehensive 2025 budget, allocating billions of cedis to address pressing needs, stimulate economic growth, and support vulnerable communities.

The budget, presented by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson in Parliament on 11 March 2025 outlines significant investments in key sectors, including infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

 A major highlight of the budget is the allocation of GH¢13.85 billion for the Big Push Programme, a flagship infrastructure initiative aimed at driving economic growth and development across the country.

According to Dr. Forson, the programme will focus on key projects that enhance transportation, energy, and social infrastructure. "This investment will have a transformative impact on our economy and improve the lives of our citizens," he stated.

In another significant move, the government has allocated GH¢499.8 million to support the No-Academic-Fee policy for all first-year students in public tertiary institutions. This initiative, dubbed the 'No-Fees-Stress' programme, aims to alleviate the financial burden on students and their families, ensuring greater access to higher education.

Furthermore, the government has committed GH¢292.4 million to provide free sanitary pads to female students in primary and secondary schools. This initiative is designed to promote menstrual hygiene and ensure that female students can attend school without interruptions.

The budget also includes provisions for disaster relief, with GH¢242.5 million allocated to support victims of the Akosombo dam spillage and GH¢200 million set aside to assist those affected by the tidal wave disaster in the Ketu South constituency.

The government has also provided a significant allocation of US$279 million (Cedi equivalent) as a revolving fund for the Ghana Gold Board. This move aims to support small-scale miners and increase the country's gold exports by at least 3 tonnes per week.

“Mr. Speaker, we will provide a Cedi equivalent of US$279 million as a revolving fund for the Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD) to be able to purchase and export at least 3 tonnes of gold per week from small-scale miners,” Dr. Forson announced.

Overall, the 2025 budget reflects the government's commitment to addressing the needs of its citizens, promoting economic growth, and ensuring a brighter future for all Ghanaians.

Source: Lead News Online