As the country eagerly anticipates the presentation of the 2025 budget by Finance Minister, Cassiel Ato Forson, Today, Tuesday, March 11th, 2025, residents of Cape Coast have voiced their expectations and concerns.
The highly anticipated budget is expected to outline bold policy measures aimed at stabilizing the economy, fostering growth, and addressing the nation’s fiscal challenges.
The 2025 budget marks the first comprehensive financial roadmap of the Mahama administration since it assumed office.
Many are hoping for a budget that addresses pressing issues affecting their daily lives, with several key areas of focus.
One of the most talked-about issues is the scrapping of the betting tax as the youth, in particular, have expressed frustration over the high taxes on betting, which they feel have burdened a popular form of entertainment.
Some want the government to reduce or scrap the betting tax so that more people can enjoy the game without additional financial strain.
Another hot topic is the E-levy which many are calling for a review or reduction in the levy, which has been widely criticized for its impact on mobile money transactions and digital payments.
As the Finance Minister prepares to present the budget, Ghanaians are eager to see if their voices will be heard, with many hoping for reforms that will ease the financial pressure on households and businesses across the country.
One young resident who spoke with ATLFMNEWS expressed a specific expectation: that the Finance Minister will address the concerns raised by the Makola Market women, given his prior interactions with them.
“I’ve watched a video of the finance minister, Honorable Ato Forson having chats with Makola market women. So, I’m looking forward to he doing something especially for our market women and the Ghanaian economy”.
Another also said he is hoping the government will allocate funds to address the long standing issue of unpaid salaries for the NABCo trainees.
The previous governments hesitated because these people have suffered a lot and they need to be paid. This government talked a lot about the unpaid allowances of the NABCo trainees and now they are in power so I expect to see an allocation of funds so that they will be paid their due allowances.
Source: Eric Sekyi/ATLFMNEWS
Read also: GUTA Urges Gov’t to Scrap ‘Nuisance Taxes’ Ahead of 2025 Budget Presentation