HE President John Dramani Mahama has touted his government’s achievements while swearing in newly appointed Deputy Ministers and a Minister of State at the Jubilee House.
His remarks followed the presentation of his administration’s first budget statement and economic policy to Parliament by the Minister of Finance, a budget he described as a blueprint for economic revitalization and social progress.
President Mahama emphasized that the budget was carefully crafted to address critical sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and trade.
He stated that these interventions are designed to alleviate economic hardships and create employment opportunities for the Ghanaian people.
According to the President, his administration has secured funding for all commitments outlined in the first 120 days of governance, ensuring that promises made during the campaign are fulfilled.
“We found resources for the major infrastructure projects under our $10 Billion Big Push Agenda as we have also for the No Academic Fees policy, for the National Apprenticeship program, for the Adwumawura program, seed money for the Women’s Development Bank, and the One million Coders program, among many others.”
President of Ghana HE John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama emphasized that these programs, which have been carefully thought through, will guarantee jobs for young people and provide a spark for economic recovery.
Addressing Social Welfare and Vulnerability
President Mahama underscored his administration’s commitment to addressing social inequalities, particularly in education and healthcare.
He announced a landmark initiative to provide free sanitary towels to schoolgirls, a move intended to curb absenteeism among female students.
“We have allocated over GHS 290 million for the distribution of sanitary towels to all our schoolgirls. This will end one of the most depressing situations in our education system, where young girls skip school due to their inability to afford sanitary towels”.
President of Ghana HE John Dramani Mahama
In addition, President Mahama noted that the government has absorbed tertiary education fees for persons with disabilities, a policy aimed at promoting inclusivity in higher education.
On healthcare, the President announced the realization of the Ghana Medical Care Trust Fund, often known as the Mahama Cares Program, which dedicates a portion of the National Health Insurance Levy to the treatment of chronic diseases.
He also highlighted the government’s commitment to Free Primary Healthcare, ensuring that basic medical services remain accessible to all Ghanaians.
Securing Sustainable Funding for Free SHS
President Mahama also addressed concerns about the future of the Free Senior High School (SHS) program, reiterating his administration’s commitment to sustaining and improving it.
“We’ve also proven through the budget statement that review does not mean cancel. Once and for all, for those who don’t understand English, the review does not mean to cancel. We have finally found a remedy for the long-lasting problem of the lack of dedicated funds for free SHS.”
President of Ghana HE John Dramani Mahama
To ensure sustainable funding for Free SHS, President Mahama noted that his government has uncapped the GETFund, allowing an unprecedented allocation of GHS 3.5 billion to support the program.
President Mahama noted that this is the largest investment in Free SHS since its inception in 2017.
With the presentation of the budget and policy proposals, President Mahama urged his ministers and deputy ministers to work diligently to achieve the objectives outlined.
He stressed that the policies and programs would only be successful if government officials operated at “full throttle” to implement them effectively.
“The presentation of the budget and the proposals contained in it now offer unique incentives for all ministers and deputy ministers to operate at full throttle to achieve the exact objectives for which they have been nominated”.
President of Ghana HE John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama’s remarks underscores his administration’s commitment to economic revitalization, job creation, and social welfare.
With the unveiling of a budget that prioritizes infrastructure, education, health, and digital transformation, his government aims to lay the foundation for sustained national development.
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