Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has engaged market women, head porters (kayayei), and other traders at the Makola Market to discuss their concerns and expectations ahead of the 2025 Budget presentation on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.
In a Facebook post on Saturday, March 8, Dr. Forson described the interaction as a privilege, while acknowledging the vital role these traders play in sustaining Ghana’s economy.
Accompanied by his deputy, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, the discussions focused on key economic challenges affecting small-scale traders, including inflation, taxation, and access to credit.
“Their expectations ahead of #Budget2025 on Tuesday, March 11th will help shape our shared future,” he wrote.
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has already presented the 2025 Budget to Cabinet for scrutiny, ahead of its presentation to Parliament on March 11.
The Cabinet meeting, chaired by President John Mahama, unanimously approved the budget.
Dr. Forson emphasized the need for expenditure cuts due to the current economic challenges.
While the specific areas for cuts remain undisclosed, the Finance Minister stressed the importance of fiscal discipline.
He also proposed rationalizing the current tax structure, including the Value Added Tax.
The final budget document is set to be presented to Parliament on March 11, 2025, where it will undergo further scrutiny and debate.
Meanwhile, the John Jinapor has also outlined the Cabinet’s decision to construct a second gas processing plant as part of efforts to tackle the nation’s energy shortfall.
He emphasized the urgency of interventions to strengthen energy security and ensure a stable power supply.
Additionally, he disclosed that the Cabinet has approved a series of measures aimed at addressing Ghana’s energy challenges in the short, medium, and long term.
