Mid-Year Budget Review Inspires Hope in Ghanaians – MP for Pru West
The Member of Parliament for Pru West, Hon. Emmanuel Kofi Ntekuni, has expressed strong optimism about Ghana’s economic trajectory following the presentation of the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review in Parliament.
According to him, the Mid-Year Budget Review, delivered by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson on Thursday, July 24, 2025, has not only inspired hope in Ghanaians but also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.
Speaking in an interview with ExpressNewsGhana, Hon. Ntekuni said the improved economic indicators and bold policy initiatives outlined in the budget are already yielding tangible benefits across multiple sectors, particularly education, infrastructure, and fiscal discipline.
“Unlike the past, when schools frequently reported food shortages, forcing some to shut down temporarily, we’ve had no such issues this year. From January to June, there were no threats of school closures due to feeding or accommodation problems. Some infrastructure projects have even been completed to house students,” he noted.
He further praised the implementation of the government’s First-Year Tertiary Fee Support programme, which provides financial relief to newly admitted tertiary students. According to him, this once-dismissed policy is now a lifeline for students across the country.
“They thought it was a campaign gimmick when we said first-year tertiary students would get fee support. Today, that policy is real—monies have been disbursed, and students are learning without financial stress,” Hon. Ntekuni stated.
Key Highlights of the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review
The Mid-Year Budget Review, themed “Sustaining Progress, Protecting the Ghanaian”, reflected significant progress in stabilizing the economy and laying the foundation for long-term growth.
Among the highlights were the cedi has strengthened markedly against major foreign currencies, while the exchange rate against the dollar has improved to GH¢11.20, down from about GH¢14.50 in early 2025.
On the inflation control, the Minister said year-on-year inflation dropped from 38.1% at the end of 2024 to 25.4% as of June 2025 and as well as an improved credit rating , making Ghana’s sovereign credit rating been upgraded to B-, a major step forward from its previous junk status.
“The fiscal deficit has narrowed to 5.8% of GDP, down from 7.3% in the previous year and gross international reserves now stand at $6.3 billion, providing over three months of import cover.
Hon. Ntekuni commended the government’s resolve to address the widespread use of foreign currency, particularly the US dollar in local transactions, stating, “Why should a landlord in Ghana demand rent in dollars when we use the cedi? Quoting prices in foreign currency contributes to inflation. The Minister has made it clear: all contracts and transactions must now be denominated in cedis.”
This policy, he said, is crucial for containing inflation and stabilizing the economy to boost development across every sector.
Commenting on infrastructure, the MP revealed that his constituency has been selected as a beneficiary under the government’s “Big Push” infrastructure initiative.
The initiative, as highlighted in the Mid-Year Budget, includes the construction of 160 township roads across the country, with 10 kilometers allocated to Pru West.
“Pru West is highly represented on the project list. I plan to implement the 10-kilometer road project in Prime Township, our capital. This will modernize the area and boost economic activities. Improved road networks attract businesses and make life easier for commuters,” he explained.
Hon. Ntekuni described the current government’s efforts as “truly impactful,” adding that the benefits of these policies are being felt in real time by ordinary citizens.
“This government is delivering, and I hope this momentum continues. Ghanaians are beginning to feel the difference,” he added.
Source: Felix Nyaaba/expressnewsghana.com
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