The Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has interacted with market women, ‘kayayei’ (head porters), and other traders at Makola Market.

The engagement provided an opportunity to listen to their concerns and expectations ahead of the 2025 Budget presentation on Tuesday, 11th March.

Describing the interaction as a privilege, Dr Forson acknowledged the vital role these hardworking traders play in sustaining the economy.

“It was a privilege to interact with these hardworking Ghanaians who break their backs daily to support our economy,” he posted X on March 8, highlighting their contributions to the country’s commercial sector.

Cassiel Ato Forson(PhD) on X: “Friends, We Just concluded an insightful engagement with market women, kayayei, and others at Makola Market. It was a privilege to interact with these hardworking Ghanaians who break their backs daily to support our economy. Their expectations ahead of #Budget2025 on https://t.co/zSc005rgky” / X

Accompanied by his deputy, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, their discussions centred on economic challenges affecting small-scale traders, including inflation, taxation, and access to credit.

Dr Forson assured the traders that their concerns would be considered in shaping policies for the upcoming budget, noting that their input is crucial in determining the country’s economic direction.

“Their expectations ahead of Budget 2025 will help shape our shared future,” he affirmed.

Meanwhile, government has approved the 2025 fiscal policy document ahead of its official presentation to Parliament on March 11.

This decision, made during a special Cabinet meeting on Thursday, reaffirms the administration’s commitment to economic stabilization and sustainable growth.

Speaking to the press after the meeting, Minister of Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu assured Ghanaians that the government remains committed to fulfilling its social and economic promises. He confirmed that the fiscal policy will reflect the administration’s 120-day pledges, including the removal of the betting tax and COVID levy.

Additionally, the budget will outline the financial state inherited by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government while offering hope and strategic policies for national development.

In a bid to address Ghana’s long-standing energy challenges, Energy Minister John Jinapor has announced that the government will construct a second gas processing plant. This decision follows Cabinet’s directive, aimed at bridging the nation’s fuel supply gap and ensuring a stable power supply.

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Cabinet approves 2025 budget

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