The 2025 Financial Budget, presented by Finance Minister Ato Forson, outlines key allocations aimed at driving national development and improving the lives of Ghanaians. The budget reflects the government’s commitment to supporting critical sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social welfare. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the major allocations to various sectors and programmes:
1. GH¢13.85 Billion for the Big Push Programme
The government has allocated GH¢13.85 billion to the Big Push Programme to accelerate infrastructure development across the country. This funding will support the construction of roads, schools, hospitals, and other essential infrastructure projects to drive economic growth and improve the standard of living.
2. GH¢499.8 Million for No-Academic-Fee Policy
A significant GH¢499.8 million has been allocated to implement the No-Academic-Fee policy for first-year students in public tertiary institutions. This initiative aims to reduce the financial burden on students and improve access to higher education.
3. GH¢292.4 Million for Free Sanitary Pads
To promote menstrual health and support female students, GH¢292.4 million has been earmarked for the distribution of free sanitary pads in primary and secondary schools. This initiative will help reduce absenteeism among girls and enhance their educational experience.
4. GH¢242.5 Million for Akosombo Dam Spillage Victims
The government has set aside GH¢242.5 million to support victims affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage. The funds will be used for resettlement, rehabilitation, and providing essential relief items to affected communities.
5. GH¢200 Million for Tidal Wave Disaster Victims
A total of GH¢200 million has been allocated to provide relief and support for victims of the tidal wave disaster in the Ketu South constituency. The funding will cover reconstruction efforts and humanitarian assistance.
6. GH¢3.5 Billion for Free Secondary Education
The government’s flagship Free Secondary Education Programme has received GH¢3.5 billion. This will ensure that all eligible students can access secondary education without financial barriers, covering tuition, feeding, and other essential costs.
7. GH¢564.6 Million for Free Textbooks
GH¢564.6 million has been allocated for the comprehensive provision of free curricula-based textbooks to students in public schools. This will enhance learning and improve educational outcomes nationwide.
8. GH¢1.788 Billion for School Feeding Programme
To support child nutrition and boost school attendance, GH¢1.788 billion has been allocated for the School Feeding Programme. This will provide daily meals to students in public schools.
9. GH¢145.5 Million for Capitation Grant
The government has allocated GH¢145.5 million for the Capitation Grant, which will cover the costs of operational activities in basic schools and reduce the financial burden on parents.
10. GH¢203 Million for Teacher Trainee Allowances
GH¢203 million has been set aside to pay teacher trainee allowances. This will support students pursuing teaching careers and help sustain the supply of qualified teachers.
11. GH¢480 Million for Nursing Trainee Allowances
A total of GH¢480 million has been allocated to cover nursing trainee allowances, encouraging more students to pursue careers in healthcare and strengthen the health sector workforce.
12. GH¢9.93 Billion for National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS)
To improve healthcare access and delivery, GH¢9.93 billion has been allocated to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). This will ensure timely payments to service providers and improve healthcare infrastructure.
13. GH¢2.81 Billion for Ghana Road Fund
GH¢2.81 billion has been allocated to the Ghana Road Fund to support road construction and maintenance projects. This is aimed at improving road networks and ensuring safer transportation.
14. GH¢7.51 Billion for District Assembly Common Fund (DACF)
The government has allocated GH¢7.51 billion to the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) to empower local governments and fund development projects at the district level.
15. GH¢1.5 Billion for Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA)
GH¢1.5 billion has been set aside for the Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA) to enhance agricultural productivity, promote food security, and support agribusinesses.
16. GH¢51.3 Million for Women’s Development Bank
To support women-led businesses and financial inclusion, GH¢51.3 million has been allocated as seed funding for the establishment of the Women’s Development Bank.
17. GH¢300 Million for National Apprenticeship Programme
GH¢300 million has been allocated to the National Apprenticeship Programme to equip young people with technical and vocational skills, promoting employment and entrepreneurship.
18. GH¢100 Million for Adwumawura Programme
GH¢100 million has been designated for the Adwumawura Programme, aimed at providing job opportunities and economic empowerment for the youth.
19. GH¢100 Million for National Coders Programme
To promote digital skills and technological development, GH¢100 million has been allocated for the National Coders Programme. This initiative will train young people in coding and software development.
The 2025 Budget reflects the government’s strategic focus on education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social welfare. The allocations demonstrate a balanced approach to tackling immediate challenges while investing in long-term national growth. With a strong focus on human capital development, infrastructure improvement, and social support, the budget sets the stage for sustainable economic progress and enhanced quality of life for Ghanaians.
