By Edward Williams
Hohoe (V/R), March 14, GNA – Mr Prosper Kumi, the Hohoe Constituency Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has described the 2025 Budget Statement presented by Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Finance Minister in Parliament as a hope for progress.
He said thematic areas such as education, local governance, youth priority and job creation were key to the development and growth of the nation and the citizenry.
Mr Kumi told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the Budget aside the regular sectors, President John Mahama’s focus was on investing in the youth that wanted to go into apprenticeship and the empowerment of women through the establishment of the Women Development Bank to enable women get to their businesses and in turn create jobs for themselves and for the economy to grow.
He said he was elated by the numerous progress that would happen in the education sector as far as the budget was concerned adding that the uncapping of the GETFund, the Road Fund and the NHIS Fund was a great decision that would grow the country.
Mr Kumi said with the budget, he saw Mr Mahama and the NDC government focusing on local governance through the empowerment of local governments by uncapping the Common Fund.
Madam Eunice Deh, a trader said government must tackle prices of goods and lorry fares.
She said the transport fares do not reflect the journey hence the need for government to help transport unions reduce fares.
Mr Joe Adza, a taxi driver noted that the budget was good, but it must reflect in the daily administration of the state.
He said fuel prices and other products must see significant reduction in prices.
Mr Adza said transport fares must be reduced for passengers to also feel relaxed.
Miss Beauty Amesi, a trader said the Women Development Bank was of importance to her because access to loans and capital was challenging.
She said there must be a strict supervision over the distribution to ensure that the right beneficiaries were catered for.
GNA
MA/LAA