Gov’t allocates $279m to GOLDBOD, GH¢13.85bn to Big Push, GH¢242.5m for Akosombo victims

In a bid to address various pressing needs and stimulate economic growth, the government has announced significant allocations in the 2025 budget.

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson outlined the details during his budget presentation in Parliament, highlighting the diverse areas that will benefit from these allocations.

“Mr. Speaker, we will provide a Cedi equivalent of US$279 million as a revolving fund for the Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD) to be able to purchase and export at least 3 tonnes of gold per week from small-scale miners,” Dr. Forson announced.

This move is expected to support the small-scale mining sector and boost the country’s gold exports.

Additionally, Dr Forson revealed that GH¢13.85 billion has been allocated for the Big Push Programme, a major infrastructure initiative aimed at driving economic growth and development across the country. The programme will focus on key projects that enhance transportation, energy, and social infrastructure.

To support education, the government has allocated GH¢499.8 million for the No-Academic-Fee policy for all first-year students in public tertiary institutions under the ‘No-Fees-Stress’ initiative. This policy aims to alleviate the financial burden on students and their families, ensuring greater access to higher education.

Furthermore, the government has committed GH¢292.4 million to commence the distribution of free sanitary pads to female students in primary and secondary schools.

This initiative is designed to promote menstrual hygiene and ensure that female students can attend school without interruptions.

In response to recent natural disasters, the government has allocated GH¢242.5 million to support victims of the Akosombo dam spillage.

Additionally, an amount of GH¢200 million has been set aside to assist victims of the tidal wave disaster that recently displaced residents of Agavedzi and surrounding communities in the Ketu South constituency.