The Director of Legal Affairs of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, has expressed strong confidence in the upcoming maiden budget of President John Dramani Mahama, stating that it will significantly impact the lives of Ghanaians and deliver on key campaign promises.
Speaking ahead of the budget presentation, Mr Tamakloe assured that the financial policy statement, to be read by the Finance Minister on behalf of President Mahama, would underscore the NDC government’s commitment to its 120-day social contract with Ghanaians.
He described the budget as one that would “blow the minds of Ghanaians,” reinforcing the authenticity of Mahama’s campaign pledges.
According to Tamakloe, the budget will translate the NDC’s campaign promises into actionable programs. Key among these commitments are significant tax reforms, a renewed focus on road infrastructure, the completion of stalled hospital projects, and a dedicated approach to addressing social needs.
He emphasized that President Mahama’s administration will prioritize the completion of existing projects over the initiation of new ones, citing the financial burden associated with project delays.
“HE John Dramani Mahama made a promise that as president, one of the things that he is not going to do is to start new projects when there are existing projects that can be completed. The cost associated with delaying projects often tends to be bigger than the initial cost of the project. One of the things you’ll be hearing will be a greater focus on this.”
Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, Director of Legal Affairs of the NDC
Relief for Victims of Tidal Waves in the Volta Region
A significant highlight of the budget, Tamakloe disclosed, would be a clear financial commitment towards resolving the perennial tidal wave devastation in the Volta Region.
Communities along the coast have suffered repeated displacement and destruction of properties due to rising sea levels and inadequate protective measures.
He assured residents that President Mahama’s government is poised to implement a lasting solution backed by concrete budgetary allocations.
“For my people in the Volta Region, particularly those affected by the tidal waves, you will see in the budget a clear commitment, a clear financial commitment to provide a lasting solution to the problem”.
Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, Director of Legal Affairs of the NDC
Agriculture at the Heart of Economic Transformation
The Director of Legal Affairs of the NDC further noted that the upcoming budget will place a heavy emphasis on agriculture as a key driver of economic growth. Mr Tamakloe argued that Ghana’s excessive reliance on imports for food items that could be produced locally is draining the economy and exporting jobs to foreign countries.
He cited shocking import figures for tripe (commonly referred to as “yemuadie”), revealing that in 2024 alone, Ghana spent GHS 2 billion importing the product.
“When you allocate GHS 2 billion worth of such imports to produce locally, what it means is that you have created GHS 2 billion worth of jobs out there, whether in Brazil, Holland, or elsewhere”.
Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, Director of Legal Affairs of the NDC
To address this challenge, the NDC government plans to implement a strategic agricultural intervention that will empower local farmers and households to produce essential commodities domestically. “Just one intervention alone can actually be a game changer by rolling 55,000 households into the program,” he disclosed.
The budget, according to Mr Tamakloe, is expected to introduce pragmatic economic policies aimed at stabilizing the economy, revitalizing industries, and creating employment opportunities.
He forecasted that tax reforms would play a central role, providing relief for businesses and individuals while fostering an environment conducive to economic expansion.
Additionally, road infrastructure will receive a significant boost, ensuring that transportation networks across the country are improved to facilitate trade and mobility. The health sector will also witness renewed attention, with a focus on completing abandoned hospital projects to enhance healthcare delivery.
Mr Tamakloe’s remarks suggest that President Mahama’s first budget will be a well-thought-out blueprint for national development.
With a strong emphasis on continuity, economic pragmatism, and social welfare, Mr Tamakloe believes the financial policy statement will seek to inspire confidence among Ghanaians that the NDC government remains committed to delivering on its mandate.
