In a move to empower women economically, the government has announced the establishment of the Women’s Development Bank, with an initial allocation of GH¢51.3 million as seed funding.

This initiative, outlined by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson during the 2025 Budget presentation in Parliament, is expected to provide tailored financial services to support women-led businesses and entrepreneurship.

According to Dr. Forson, the Women’s Development Bank will focus on bridging the financial gap that many women entrepreneurs face, offering loans, financial literacy programs, and investment opportunities to help scale their businesses. This development is part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance financial inclusion and foster sustainable economic growth by supporting women in business.

Boosting the Gold Sector with US$279 Million Revolving Fund

Beyond the establishment of the Women’s Development Bank, the government has also introduced measures to strengthen the small-scale mining sector. Dr. Forson revealed that the Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD) will receive the Cedi equivalent of US$279 million as a revolving fund. The initiative aims to enable GOLDBOD to purchase and export at least three tonnes of gold per week from small-scale miners.

This move is expected to improve revenue generation from the mining sector and promote formalization within small-scale mining operations. By ensuring direct government involvement in gold purchases, the initiative seeks to curb illegal mining activities while offering small-scale miners a stable and transparent market for their products. The revolving fund is also anticipated to enhance Ghana’s foreign exchange earnings, strengthening the country’s economic stability.

GH¢13.85 Billion Allocated for the ‘Big Push’ Infrastructure Programme

As part of efforts to accelerate national development, the government has earmarked GH¢13.85 billion for the Big Push Programme, a major infrastructure initiative designed to drive economic growth. This programme will focus on expanding transportation networks, enhancing energy infrastructure, and improving social amenities across the country.

Dr. Forson emphasized that the initiative is crucial for addressing Ghana’s infrastructure deficit and creating jobs. “Mr. Speaker, this programme is designed to transform the country’s infrastructure landscape, ensuring sustainable development while generating employment opportunities,” he stated.

The allocation for the Big Push Programme underscores the government’s commitment to modernizing road networks, expanding electricity access, and strengthening water and sanitation services. These projects are expected to have a ripple effect on various sectors of the economy, improving trade, investment, and overall productivity.

GH¢1.5 Billion for Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA)

Recognizing the agricultural sector’s vital role in Ghana’s economic development, the government has allocated GH¢1.5 billion towards the Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA). This comprehensive agricultural strategy includes several key initiatives: the Feed Ghana Programme, the Ghana Grains Development Project, the Vegetable Development Project, and the Nkokor Nketenkete initiative.

The Feed Ghana Programme is designed to ensure food security by increasing local food production and reducing reliance on imports. The Ghana Grains Development Project will focus on improving grain production through research, better seed distribution, and modern farming techniques. Similarly, the Vegetable Development Project will encourage vegetable cultivation to meet both local and export market demands.

In line with the government’s commitment to job creation and entrepreneurship, GH¢100 million has been allocated to the ‘Adwumawura’ Programme. This initiative is designed to provide funding and capacity-building support to young entrepreneurs and small businesses, with the goal of reducing unemployment and fostering innovation.

The ‘Adwumawura’ Programme will target startups and small enterprises across various sectors, equipping them with the resources needed to expand operations and contribute to economic growth. By investing in entrepreneurial development, the government hopes to empower young Ghanaians to create sustainable businesses that drive job creation and wealth generation.

The 2025 Budget outlines ambitious initiatives aimed at strengthening Ghana’s economy through targeted investments in key sectors. The establishment of the Women’s Development Bank marks a significant step in addressing financial inequalities and empowering women in business. Meanwhile, the revolving fund for GOLDBOD, the Big Push Programme, the AETA initiative, and the ‘Adwumawura’ Programme demonstrate the government’s commitment to infrastructure development, agricultural growth, and job creation.

As these programs take shape, they are expected to drive economic transformation, enhance financial inclusion, and improve the livelihoods of Ghanaians across the country.