By Elsie Appiah-Osei
Accra, Feb 21, GNA – Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, the Finance Minister, is set to present the maiden budget, under President John Mahama’s Administration, to Parliament on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.
The announcement comes after Parliament approved a GHȼ68 billion minibudget in January to cover government expenditures for the first quarter.
The maiden budget is expected to outline key economic policies, spending priorities, and strategies to stabilise the economy.
Mr Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader, confirmed the budget date, stating: “… The Finance Minister has now proposed March 11, 2025, as the new date to bring the budget to the House for consideration.”
Notably, the Government plans to scrap taxes including the Electronic Transaction Levy, known as E-Levy, betting tax, and COVID-19 levy, to ease fiscal pressures and reduce reliance on imported goods.
Economist Dr John Kwakye of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) had advised the government to strike a balance between spending and revenue generation, prioritising projects with high economic returns and ensuring efficient use of public funds.
The government has been engaging with the International Monetary Fund to refine fiscal policies ahead of the budget presentation, focusing on tax cuts, revenue administration reforms, and energy sector debt management.
GNA