Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson is scheduled to present the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy, dubbed the “Asempa” budget, to Parliament today, March 11, 2025.
This presentation aligns with Article 179 of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates the Finance Minister to submit the government’s financial plans for the upcoming fiscal year.
The term “Asempa,” meaning “Good News” in Akan, reflects the government’s optimistic outlook on Ghana’s economic trajectory. This tradition of assigning thematic names to budgets was notably practiced by former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, who from 2017 to 2023, presented budgets with titles such as “Asempa,” “Agyenkwa” (Saviour), and “Obaatanpa” (Good Mother), each reflecting the administration’s policy focus for the respective fiscal years.
In anticipation of the budget presentation, Deputy Majority Leader Mr. Kweku Ricketts-Hagan announced the schedule during the Business Statement for the ninth week ending Friday, March 14. He emphasized the importance of this session and urged all Members of Parliament to attend.
The “Asempa” budget is expected to outline strategies aimed at economic recovery, job creation, and fiscal consolidation. Stakeholders and citizens alike are keen to see how the government plans to address pressing issues such as unemployment, inflation, and public debt. The budget will also shed light on initiatives designed to stimulate growth in key sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, and technology.
As the nation awaits the detailed proposals, the “Asempa” budget symbolizes a commitment to fostering economic resilience and improving the livelihoods of Ghanaians. The parliamentary session is expected to be closely followed, with discussions and analyses to ensue in the coming days.