In a bid to address pressing national needs and accelerate economic growth, the government has announced major financial allocations in the 2025 budget, including a GH¢13.85 billion for the ‘Big Push Programme. ‘
This ambitious infrastructure initiative is aimed at enhancing transportation, energy, and social development across the country.
During his budget presentation in Parliament today, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson outlined the various sectors that will benefit from major strategic investments.
He revealed that a Cedi equivalent of US$279 million has been allocated as a revolving fund for the Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD). This fund will facilitate the purchase and export of at least three tonnes of gold per week from small-scale miners, boosting Ghana’s gold exports and strengthening the local mining sector.
The government has also earmarked GH¢499.8 million for the No-Academic-Fee policy under the No-Fees-Stress initiative. This policy will ensure that all first-year students in public tertiary institutions are exempt from paying academic fees, easing the financial burden on students and their families.
In addition, GH¢292.4 million has been committed to fund the nationwide distribution of free sanitary pads to female students in primary and secondary schools. This initiative aims to promote menstrual hygiene and prevent school absenteeism among female students.
In response to recent natural disasters, GH¢242.5 million has been allocated to support victims of the Akosombo dam spillage. An additional GH¢200 million has been set aside to assist residents affected by tidal waves in the Agavedzi and surrounding communities in the Ketu South constituency.
Dr. Forson emphasised that these allocations reflect the government’s commitment to economic transformation and social welfare.
He stated that these investments are crucial to supporting key sectors, driving economic growth, and improving the livelihoods of Ghanaians.
