The Finance Ministry team headed to Makola Market yesterday for direct talks with everyday sellers. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and Deputy Thomas Nyarko Ampem listened as small business folks shared ideas for the upcoming national spending plan. The Finance Minister told everyone they matter because market women help drive the economy across Ghana. He promised their daily struggles would shape government decisions about money next year.
Market vendors didn't hold back about their problems during these conversations. They talked about crushing taxes, rising prices, and business costs, making life tough. Many asked for lower taxes, easier loans, and better market buildings. The falling value of Ghana's money hurts them when buying foreign goods to resell. One seller, Madam Abena Mensah, explained how import fees and changing prices cut deeply into what she earns each day.
The Finance Minister promised everyone their worries would count during budget planning meetings. He said the government already works on plans to fight rising prices, ease tax burdens for small shops, and create better money support systems for market traders. Similar listening sessions will happen soon with farmers, drivers, and factory bosses before officials finish writing the complete budget document for next year.
Senior government members already gave a thumbs up to the 2025 budget during their recent meeting. The plan heads to Parliament next Tuesday for an official presentation. Felix Kwakye Ofosu from the communications team shared this news after Friday's special cabinet gathering. The money blueprint focuses on fixing financial problems facing Ghana under President Mahama's leadership. Energy Minister John Jinapor added they'd build another gas processing facility to keep lights on nationwide. Leaders approved several actions to solve power issues across different periods throughout coming years.
Market vendors didn't hold back about their problems during these conversations. They talked about crushing taxes, rising prices, and business costs, making life tough. Many asked for lower taxes, easier loans, and better market buildings. The falling value of Ghana's money hurts them when buying foreign goods to resell. One seller, Madam Abena Mensah, explained how import fees and changing prices cut deeply into what she earns each day.
The Finance Minister promised everyone their worries would count during budget planning meetings. He said the government already works on plans to fight rising prices, ease tax burdens for small shops, and create better money support systems for market traders. Similar listening sessions will happen soon with farmers, drivers, and factory bosses before officials finish writing the complete budget document for next year.
Senior government members already gave a thumbs up to the 2025 budget during their recent meeting. The plan heads to Parliament next Tuesday for an official presentation. Felix Kwakye Ofosu from the communications team shared this news after Friday's special cabinet gathering. The money blueprint focuses on fixing financial problems facing Ghana under President Mahama's leadership. Energy Minister John Jinapor added they'd build another gas processing facility to keep lights on nationwide. Leaders approved several actions to solve power issues across different periods throughout coming years.
