The government must introduce measures to reduce taxes and bring relief to businesses in the upcoming 2025 Budget to spur production and help reduce the cost of living, a section of the public has said.
The Ghanaian Times in an interview with a section of the public on their expectations from the upcoming 2025 Budget and Economic Policy of the Government yesterday, urged the government to broaden the tax net to raise more revenue locally instead of relying on borrowing.
According to them, the incessant borrowing over the years contributed to the rising public debt of the country as such, it was important for the budget to explore new areas of allocations to complete major unfinished projects dotted across the country.
Those interviewed further stressed the need for the government to boost agriculture through targeted incentives to increase food production and reduce the cost of food.
Food inflation has been a major driver of overall inflation in the country over the past years and it has become imperative for something to be done about it.
They also called on the government to introduce policies aimed at creating employment opportunities to address the growing youth unemployment challenge facing the country.
The Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, is expected to present on behalf of the President, the government’s first budget today to Parliament in line with constitutional requirements.
Tax reduction, employment creation, and tackling illegal mining (galamsey) were major campaign issues for the ruling party and are expected to feature prominently in the budget.
George Amponsah, a driver on the Circle-Nsawam Road, said he expected the Finance Minister to introduce fiscal policies to reduce the numerous levies on fuel, which have driven up transportation costs and, consequently, the cost of food.
“The government must provide funding to complete all major uncompleted projects, particularly the Ofankor-Nsawam road, to ease the burden on commuters,” Mr Amponsah stated.
Mercy Asiedu, a shop operator at Doboro, said the prices of goods on the market keep rising daily, making life difficult for the ordinary citizen.
“I pray that the government will address this issue in its first budget to Parliament,” she said.
Juliet Ansah, a trader, highlighted the high cost of foodstuffs such as yam, plantain, and ginger, and said it was putting pressure on the budget of households.
“The government must take agriculture seriously and introduce policies in the budget to boost food production and bring down prices,” Ms Ansah urged.
FROM CAPE COAST, DAVID O. YARBOI-TETTEH, reports that Bismark Adams, an entrepreneur said, he expected the government to bring out a policy document on the implementation of the 24-hour economy which was one of the key policies in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) campaign manifesto for the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections.
“I expect to hear some information on what the government will do to increase revenue without worsening the plight of workers and employers,” he said.
Mrs Jessica Cudjoe, a civil servant, said she expected the budget to deal with unemployment and address the deplorable road network in the region.
FROM WA, RAFIA ABDUL RAZAK, reports that Mr Tahiru Abdul Rashid said he would like the Finance Minister to touch on strategies that would ensure that prices of goods and foodstuffs were reduced drastically.
A trader at the Wa market, Madam Rashidatu Nurideen, expressed worry about the nature of roads in the region especially the Wa-Sawla-Bamboi road as it was affecting their businesses.
“I hope that the government would consider, in the budget, the construction and repair of our major roads in the region, we will be very happy,” she said.
A student at the Wa Technical University, Mr Ali Bawa, said he did not expect anything better from the budget.
“I do not believe in this budget thing, I have no expectation in the budget because it is going to be the same old stories we have been hearing from the past,” he said.
BY KINGSLEY ASARE
