Ghana makes strides in SDG commitment with annual budget report launch
The Ministry of Finance on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, unveiled its fifth annual SDGs Budget Report. The robust report underscores the government’s unwavering dedication to evaluating and narrowing the funding gap crucial for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The 2022 SDGs Budget Report is designed to function as a vital decision-making tool, aiding the Government in tracking funding for the SDGs. With its focus on transparency and accountability, the report provides comprehensive insights into allocations and expenditure of the national budget across each of the 17 SDGs.
At the core of this initiative lies the SDG Budgeting Manual, a strategic tool developed to facilitate the tracking of budgetary allocations and expenditures. This manual ensures that all entities ranging from Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) can be monitored in their contributions toward SDGs.
The 2022 SDGs Budget Report launch served as a platform for stakeholders to provide valuable feedback. The event saw the convergence of a diverse array of participants, including Government Officials, Development Partners, Foreign Missions, Private Sector Representatives, Investors, Civil Society Organisations, Academics and Entrepreneurs.
The Country Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Ghana, Osama Makkawi, commended the Government for its resolute dedication to tracking investments that contribute to realisation of the SDGs. Mr Makkawi noted that the report is a testament to government’s unwavering commitment to the SDGs and their impact on the nation.
Developed collaboratively by the Ministry of Finance, National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) and Ghana Statistical Service, the 2022 Ghana SDGs Budget Report marks a continuation of government’s efforts to evaluate and address the funding gap for the Global Goals. This tripartite collaboration aims to establish a funding mechanism that is well-aligned with aspirations of the Global Goals.
During the report launch, Mr. Makkawi emphasised the UNDP’s global and Ghana’s role as an SDG integrator – reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to partnership and collaboration with government.
Dr. Mohammed Amin Adams, Deputy Minister for Finance, highlighted that the SDGs Budget Report equips government and its partners with essential data to monitor progress across the diverse goals. This real-time monitoring allows for an assessment of financial resource utilisation efficiency over time.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic’s profound impact, Dr. Adams acknowledged setbacks in goals such as Poverty Eradication (SDG1), Zero Hunger (SDG2) and Climate Action (SDG13).
In response to these challenges, Dr. Adams affirmed government’s commitment to fostering collaboration with development partners, the private sector and all stakeholders, aimed at propelling a sustainable recovery.
