Finance Minister, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adams has finally presented the first quarter of the 2025 mini budget to Parliament after several weeks of delays.
The mini budget is a constitutional requirement that provides a fiscal outlook for the upcoming year, addressing key economic issues such as revenue mobilization, expenditure priorities, and strategies for fiscal consolidation.
The document’s approval will enable funding for government operations during the first quarter of 2025.
The delayed presentation of the mini budget stemmed from a disagreement between the then-minority National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the majority New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Parliament over outstanding government business, particularly requests for tax waivers.
The delay had led to significant frustration, especially among NDC members, who accused the government of intentionally stalling the process.
The proposed budget amounts to GH¢68.1 billion, aiming to cover essential government expenses during the first quarter of 2025.
The mini-budget allocation will prioritize salaries of public sector workers, statutory payments, critical infrastructure maintenance, and funding for social intervention programs.
This provision ensures continuity of government operations until the incoming John Mahama administration presents its substantive budget for 2025.
The document has been referred to the Budget and Finance Committees for review, and Parliament is expected to reconvene later today for further deliberations.