The 2025 national budget has been unveiled, and as expected, it’s packed with big promises. From education to healthcare, infrastructure to job creation, the government is committing huge sums to various sectors. But beyond the numbers, what does this really mean for the average Ghanaian? Will these allocations bring real change, or will they end up as figures on paper?
Let’s break it down and look at what’s coming, what it could mean, and the big questions we should all be asking.
A Massive Push for Infrastructure – GH¢13.85 Billion
The biggest chunk of the budget—GH¢13.85 billion—is going into the Big Push Programme. This is meant to drive major infrastructure projects like roads, energy, and industrial development. If done right, this could improve transportation, create jobs, and boost the economy.
What We Should Ask:
Where exactly will these projects be located? Will all regions benefit, or will some areas be left behind?
How will the government ensure these projects don’t stall halfway?
Will the funds be managed properly, or will we see the usual cases of abandoned projects and mismanagement?
Education – A Step Forward or More of the Same?
Education is getting a good slice of the budget, which is great news. The key allocations include:
GH¢3.5 billion for Free Senior High School (SHS).
GH¢564.6 million for free textbooks.
GH¢499.8 million to cover No-Academic-Fee policy for first-year public tertiary students.
GH¢292.4 million for free sanitary pads for female students.
GH¢203 million for teacher trainee allowances.
GH¢480 million for nursing trainee allowances.
These are important investments, especially for young Ghanaians who struggle with school costs. The No-Academic-Fee policy will relieve many families, and the sanitary pad initiative is a huge step for girls' education.
What We Should Ask:
Will these funds be enough to maintain quality education?
Will the free textbooks be available on time, or will students wait months before receiving them?
How will the free sanitary pad program be managed to ensure fair distribution?
Support for Disaster Victims – Help on the Way?
Communities hit by disasters are getting some attention in this budget:
GH¢242.5 million for victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage.
GH¢200 million for victims of the tidal wave disaster in Ketu South.
Disasters have left many families homeless and struggling. If these funds are used properly, they could bring real relief to those affected.
What We Should Ask:
How quickly will the affected communities receive this support?
Will the money go directly to the victims, or will it get stuck in bureaucracy?
Healthcare – Is NHIS Getting the Boost It Needs?
The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) is set to receive GH¢9.93 billion. This should, in theory, improve healthcare access, reduce hospital congestion, and ensure medicines are available.
What We Should Ask:
Will this funding actually improve the quality of healthcare?
Can NHIS reduce the long waiting times at hospitals?
Will we finally see an end to patients being told, “No drugs available, go buy from a pharmacy”?
Roads and Local Development – A Fair Share for All?
GH¢2.81 billion for the Ghana Road Fund.
GH¢7.51 billion for the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF).
Road networks are a mess in many parts of the country, and local development often moves at a snail’s pace. This budget allocation could change that, but only if well managed.
What We Should Ask:
Will these road projects focus on key economic areas, or will they be limited to politically strategic locations?
How transparent will the use of the DACF be?
Jobs, Skills, and Economic Growth – A New Hope?
With rising unemployment, the government is making some moves to create jobs and support businesses:
GH¢1.5 billion for agriculture through the Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA).
GH¢300 million for the National Apprenticeship Programme.
GH¢100 million for the ‘Adwumawura’ Programme to support entrepreneurs.
GH¢100 million for the National Coders Programme to train young people in tech skills.
GH¢51.3 million to set up the Women’s Development Bank.
These programs could help young people find jobs and support small businesses.
What We Should Ask:
Will these initiatives create long-term jobs, or will they just be short-term solutions?
How accessible will the Women’s Development Bank be to ordinary women trying to start businesses?
Will funds for agriculture reach the right people, or will they only benefit big players?
Final Thoughts – A Budget of Promises, But Will It Deliver?
On paper, the 2025 budget looks promising. The allocations to education, healthcare, infrastructure, and job creation are ambitious. But we’ve seen big budgets before, and the challenge has always been execution.
The real test will be how well these funds are managed and whether they bring real change to the lives of Ghanaians. We need to watch closely, ask tough questions, and hold leaders accountable.
Your Thoughts?
Do you think this budget will bring real improvements?
What sector do you think needs more attention?
What concerns do you have about these allocations?
Let’s keep the conversation going.