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Todays Trends Blog of Tuesday, 11 March 2025
Source: Samuel Osei
The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has strongly criticized the 2025 Economic Budget presented by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, describing it as an “Azaa budget,” a term meaning deceptive.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, March 11, Mr. Afenyo-Markin expressed his disappointment over the budget’s failure to include the much-anticipated 24-hour economy policy, a key campaign promise of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and President John Mahama.
“Mr. Speaker, we have witnessed what we can best describe as an ‘Azaa budget.’ Their much-talked-about 24-hour economy—where is it? The President came here and said it was already in motion. Now, the Finance Minister presents the budget, and there is no mention of it,” Mr. Afenyo-Markin stated.
According to the Minority Leader, the Ghanaian youth had high expectations for the 24-hour economy policy, viewing it as a potential driver of job creation and economic transformation. However, he noted with concern that the Finance Minister did not outline any concrete plans for its implementation.
“Mr. Speaker, the youth of this country have been waiting for this 24-hour economy policy, yet the Minister tells us it will be brought later. Eii, Ato! So all the jobs they promised were merely an ‘Azaa’ promise?” he quizzed.
The Finance Minister’s presentation, which was expected to provide clarity on the government’s economic agenda, has sparked debate among lawmakers, particularly concerning the absence of specific measures to implement the 24-hour economy policy. The Minority maintains that this omission raises questions about the government’s commitment to fulfilling its campaign promises.
