2025 Budget: 'We've Witnessed an Azaa Budget, But Where is the 24-Hour Economy?' - Afenyo Markin

Accra, Ghana - 11 March, 2025 - Ghana's Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has launched a scathing attack on the 2025 Economic Budget, describing it as an "Azaa budget" - a term meaning deceptive or misleading.

His criticism centers on the budget's failure to include the promised 24-hour economy policy, a flagship campaign pledge of President John Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Speaking in Parliament after the Budget delivery by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Afenyo-Markin expressed disappointment and frustration, questioning the government's commitment to the policy. "Where is the 24-hour economy they promised? The President said it was already in motion, but there's no mention of it in the budget," he said.

The Minority Leader also emphasized the high expectations among Ghanaian youth for the 24-hour economy policy, which they hoped would create jobs and drive economic transformation. However, he noted that the Finance Minister failed to provide concrete plans for its implementation, leaving the youth feeling betrayed.

Mr. Afenyo-Markin's criticism suggests that the budget lacks inspiration and hope, merely repeating existing social intervention programs. 

"Mr Speaker, we have witnessed what we can best describe as an 'Azaa budget'. Their much-talked-about 24-hour economy—where is it? The President came here and said it was already in motion. Now, the Finance Minister presents the budget, and there is no mention of it," he stated.

"Mr Speaker, the youth of this country have been waiting for this 24-hour economy policy, yet the Minister tells us it will be brought later. Eii, Ato! So all the jobs they promised were merely an 'Azaa' promise?" he quizzed.

The 24-hour economy policy aims to promote economic growth by encouraging businesses to operate around the clock. Proponents argue that it would create jobs, increase productivity, and enhance economic competitiveness. However, critics have raised concerns about the policy's potential impact on workers' rights, infrastructure, and the environment 

Source: Lead News Online