Defence minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah
Defence minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, has stated that Ghana’s economic condition does not reflect an economy that has “turned the corner,” but rather one in severe distress, weighed down by debt repayment burdens, mismanagement, and a lack of accountability.
Speaking on the state of the economy in a Facebook post after Finance Minister Dr Casiel Ato Forson presented his maiden budget to Parliament, Dr. Boamah emphasized that the 2025 budget aims to set Ghana on a path of fiscal responsibility, debt sustainability, macroeconomic stability, and job creation.
He noted that the government, under President John Dramani Mahama, is focused on resetting the economy and restoring hope for Ghanaians.
Dr. Boamah criticized the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, accusing them of awarding contracts outside the expenditure framework and borrowing beyond Ghana’s capacity to repay.
He assured Ghanaians that President Mahama’s administration would exercise fiscal discipline while delivering efficient public services.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to meeting the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme targets while restoring Ghana’s creditworthiness.
He also acknowledged the progress made so far, stating that while a lot has been achieved within a short time, this is only the beginning of the administration’s reform efforts.
Dr. Boamah highlighted several key promises that the Mahama administration has fulfilled since assuming office:
Reduced Government Size: A commitment to running a lean and efficient government with 60 ministers has been delivered. Tax Reforms: The government has scrapped the E-Levy and the betting tax on winnings.
Education Reforms: Academic fees for first-year public tertiary students have been eliminated, and free tertiary education has been introduced for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). A dedicated source of funding has also been secured for Free SHS, while free textbooks are being distributed to schoolchildren.
Healthcare Initiatives: The administration is delivering Free Primary Healthcare and implementing the MahamaCares programme to finance the treatment of non-communicable diseases.
Social Interventions: The government has commenced the distribution of sanitary pads to schoolgirls and uncapped the GETFund, NHIL, and Road Fund.
Policy and Infrastructure Development: The $10 billion Big Push Programme for accelerated infrastructure development is underway, along with constitutional review processes and national forums on education and the economy.
Anti-Corruption Efforts: The government has launched Operation Recover All Looted State Funds, reaffirming its commitment to accountability.
Dr. Boamah reiterated that the government is determined to navigate Ghana through these turbulent times and emerge stronger.
He urged Ghanaians to support the administration’s reform agenda, emphasizing that the people of Ghana “will no longer tolerate ineffective governance.”
“We committed to Reset Ghana, and we are delivering,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, watch this Ghana Month special edition of People and Places as we hear the story of how the head of Kwame Nkrumah’s bronze statue was returned after 43 years, below: