2025 Budget: Gov’t Makes Big Allocations for Mining, Infrastructure, and Social Support
The Government has unveiled its 2025 budget, outlining significant financial commitments to boost economic growth, support key industries, and address pressing social needs.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, presenting the 2025 budget in Parliament on Tuesday, March 11, detailed a series of allocations aimed at stabilising the economy and enhancing social infrastructure.
Gold Sector Receives $279m Boost
As part of efforts to bolster the mining industry, the government has set aside $279 million as a revolving fund for the Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD).
The facility is intended to purchase and export at least three tonnes of gold per week from small-scale miners, a move expected to strengthen Ghana’s gold reserves and enhance foreign exchange inflows.
Infrastructure Investment Under ‘Big Push’ Programme
The budget commits GH¢13.85 billion to the Big Push Programme, an initiative aimed at accelerating infrastructure development.
The funds will be directed towards transport, energy, and social infrastructure, with the government positioning public investment as a catalyst for economic expansion.
Higher Education and Social Welfare Support
To alleviate financial pressures on students, the government has allocated GH¢499.8 million for the No-Academic-Fee policy, covering all first-year students in public tertiary institutions under the ‘No-Fees-Stress’ initiative.
The move is expected to improve access to higher education amid economic uncertainty.
In a bid to tackle period poverty, the government will spend GH¢292.4 million to provide free sanitary pads to female students in primary and secondary schools.
The initiative seeks to boost school attendance and promote menstrual hygiene, particularly in underserved communities.
Disaster Relief and Recovery Efforts
The budget also earmarks funding for communities affected by recent natural disasters.
The government has set aside GH¢242.5 million for victims of the Akosombo dam spillage and an additional GH¢200 million to support those affected by tidal waves in Ketu South.
These allocations highlight the administration’s focus on disaster resilience and community recovery.
