By Habib Mandeya Abukari
A Concerned Citizen of Savannah
The minister in charge of the Finance ministry will present budget statement on behalf of the president of the republic of Ghana. The biggest questions on the mind of every Ghanaian is, “will the budget be a budget for all or a budget for a few?”. Almost every Ghanaian is eager to hear what lies ahead. This is not just another budget but the first budget of the NDC that campaigned on resetting Ghana. It is an opportunity to tell Ghanaians how the country’s economy will be reset and how the manifest promises will be fulfilled in terms of the Resetting Ghana, creating Jobs, enhancing prosperity, and ensuring good governance.
A Budget for All or a Budget for a Few?
This budget is an opportunity to prove that the government of the day is committed to developing Ghana for all, not just a select few. Will this budget reflect the aspirations of people from all corners of the country, including our home in Savannah? Or will it, focus only on the already developed regions?
There are pressing questions on the minds of my people, and I hope this budget will provide clear answers.
1. Will the Taxes be cancelled as it was promised?
Ghanaians, especially in rural communities like mine, have bought into the idea of tax elimination presented by the NDC in their manifesto and as it was claimed as excessive taxation. The NDC manifesto on page 3 promised to remove taxes such as the E-Levy, COVID-19 levy, the 10% tax on betting winnings, the emissions levy, and import duties on industrial and agricultural equipment. These taxes NDC claimed have made life difficult, increasing the cost of doing business and making even basic transactions expensive.
But what specific measures will replace these lost revenues? How will the government ensure that the removal of these taxes does not create budget shortfalls that could affect development projects? Will rural communities benefit directly from these tax cuts, or will the focus remain on urban areas?
2. How Will the Government Address Our Growing Debt and Economic Stability?
Ghana’s debt crisis is a major concern, and we all know how it has affected livelihoods. With our economy having defaulted on its debt obligations, we are eager to hear how this government intends to stabilize our financial standing. The NDC manifesto on page 6 proposed re-engaging the IMF, reviving the Sinking Fund, and establishing an Independent Fiscal Council to enforce discipline in government spending.
But how different will this new debt strategy be from previous attempts? Will it truly prioritize national development, or will it just be another round of borrowing that leaves future generations in debt? How will ordinary citizens in Tachale benefit from improved economic stability?
3. What Will the 24-Hour Economy Mean for Rural Communities Like Tachali – Kajase?
The 24-hour economy policy is one of the most talked-about initiatives in the manifesto on page 22. It promises to create jobs by encouraging businesses and public institutions to operate in three shifts. But in communities like Tachali-Kajase, where access to reliable electricity and transportation is still a challenge, how feasible is this policy?
Will this initiative be designed to benefit only urban centers, or will measures be put in place to ensure its success in rural areas? How does the government plan to address the infrastructural gaps that make round-the-clock business operations nearly impossible in many parts of Savannah Region?
4. Will Our Farmers Get the Support They Deserve?
Agriculture remains the backbone of our economy, yet farmers in Savannah and other rural areas still struggle with access to credit, modern farming tools, and market opportunities. The 2024 NDC manifesto outlines ambitious plans such as the Feed Ghana Programme, the establishment of Farmer Service Centres, and the creation of Agro-Industrial Zones on page 39 and 45.
But how soon will these programs be implemented? Will they be accessible to small-scale farmers in remote areas, or will they primarily benefit large commercial farms? How will the government ensure that funds allocated for these projects are used efficiently and do not get lost in bureaucracy?
5. Will the Big Push Infrastructure Plan Reach Savannah?
For years, infrastructure development in Savannah has lagged behind other regions. The previous government has done a lot in that regards but there is still more room for improvement. Roads in Wasipe and other parts of the North remain in poor condition, making it difficult for farmers to transport their produce and for businesses to thrive. The NDC in their 2024 manifesto promised massive investments in roads, housing, water, and energy.
But how many of these projects will be directed to underdeveloped regions like ours? Will we see a well-constructed road network connecting our communities, or will these promises remain on paper? Will the government prioritize local contractors to ensure jobs remain within our communities?
6. How Will This Budget Improve Healthcare and Social Services?
Our health system is in dire need of improvement. Many people in Savannah still travel long distances to access basic medical care. The NDC told Ghanaians in its 2024 manifesto that it plans to expand the NHIS, improve mental health services, and invest in local pharmaceutical production.
But when will we see new hospitals and clinics in Savannah Region? When will the Agenda 111 hospital at Daboya and Kpalbe in the North Gonja and North East Gonja District respectively be completed? Will healthcare workers in rural areas receive better incentives to stay and serve our communities? How will the government address the challenges facing ambulance services in remote areas?
7. Will Our Youth Get Access to Quality Education and Digital Jobs?
Education remains a major concern for us in Savannah. Many schools lack proper infrastructure and digital learning remains a dream for most students in our communities. The NDC has promised to improve basic education, expand technical and vocational training, and establish digital training centers on pages 91, 94 and 125.
But when will these policies move from planning to implementation? Will children in our rural areas finally have the same learning opportunities as those in the cities? How will the government ensure that students in Savannah are not left behind in the digital revolution?
As an educationist and a student of IT, I am very much interested in how the government seeks to leverage on Digitalization to improve on education and ensure the youth are digitally armed and prepared for the digital revolution.
I, along with many others from Tachali-Kajase, Wasipe and the larger Savannah Enclave, will be listening closely. We hope that this budget will be one of real action, not just promises.
