2025 Budget Expenditure Allocation Contradicts Lean Government Agenda – Abena Osei-Asare
Former Minister of State at the Finance Ministry and Member of Parliament for Atiwa East, Hon. Abena Osei-Asare, has sharply criticized the 2025 Budget, describing it as economically weak and contradictory to the government’s own claims of lean governance.
Speaking during the parliamentary debate on the 2025 Budget Statement presented by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson on March 11, Hon. Osei-Asare argued that the budget’s proposed increase in government spending is a defies the government claims of lean administration.
She questioned the rationale behind the addition of GH¢23.5 trillion to expenditure, saying it directly contradicts the administration’s commitment to rationalizing public spending.
“This government says its cutting costs, yet it keeps inflating its expenditure. How can Ghanaians trust a government that preaches austerity but practices extravagance?” she questioned.
Hon. Osei-Asare also took issue with the country’s rising debt levels, revealing that between 2017 and 2034, Ghana’s debt had surged by an additional $20 billion—leading to persistent budget deficits that she claims burden the economy.
Economic Performance under NPP vs Current Administration
Hon. Osei-Asare highlighted what she described as the NPP’s more stable economic track record, citing inflation figures as evidence.
She noted that under the NPP, inflation was reduced from 19.2% in March 2016 to 15.4% by December 2016—bringing it closer to the inflation target of under 11%.
She criticized the current administration for missing its inflation targets and engaging in what she called “reckless spending.”
According to her, the previous NPP government oversaw significant economic growth, with GDP expanding from $20 billion to an estimated 1.2 trillion cedis.
“The current economic direction lacks focus. It’s not equipped to sustain the growth we achieved,” she said.
Employment, Social Interventions under Fire
The lawmaker further criticized the government’s job creation efforts, particularly the National Apprenticeship Program, which she claimed is underperforming.
“They promised 400,000 new jobs, but the figures simply don’t support the claim. The economic conditions make such promises look unrealistic,” she stated.
She also expressed concern over what she termed the poor implementation of social intervention programs, especially those aimed at youth development. According to her, many of these initiatives have been mismanaged or inadequately executed.
Call for Rethinking Economic Strategy
Concluding her remarks, Hon. Osei-Asare described the 2025 budget as a “missed opportunity” to address pressing national issues. She accused the government of over-relying on taxation at the expense of productive, growth-driven policies.
“The government’s strategy is failing to deliver meaningful improvements in the lives of ordinary Ghanaians. We need a bold rethink—one that centers on sustainable growth, jobs, and revenue generation rather than excessive borrowing and unchecked expenditure,” she emphasized.
Her comments add to the growing chorus of opposition voices raising alarm over the country’s fiscal trajectory and economic governance under the current administration.
Source: Felix Nyaaba | ExpressNewsGhana.com
About Author
