Adnan Adams Mohammed
The 2025 Mini-Budget as presented to the outgoing eighth parliament has allocated GHC20 billion for interest payments, including obligations to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and the Energy Sector Levy Account (ESLA).
This was disclosed by the Chairman of the Finance Committee, Patrick Boamah, during the debate and approval of the delayed 2025 mini-budget.
“The Committee noted that projections in respect of interest payments amounted to GHC20,691,523,500.00. The amount includes payments to the Energy Sector Levy Account (ESLA) and Independent Power Producers (IPPs),” Hon Boamah disclosed.
However, the Finance Minister, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, has assured the Joint Committee on Budget and Finance that the delay would not adversely impact government operations.
He emphasized that measures were in place to guarantee the smooth functioning of public services during the transitional period.
This development follows Parliament’s approval of the 2025 Mini-Budget, amounting to GHC68.13 billion. The budget is intended to cover government operations for the first quarter of 2025, pending the presentation of a comprehensive budget by the incoming Mahama administration.
The approved expenditure also projects total revenue and grants for the first quarter of 2025 at GHC42.54 billion, representing 3.5% of Ghana’s GDP.
Parliament’s approval came after extensive deliberations and scrutiny at the Finance Committee level. The discussions highlighted key concerns, including debt management, revenue mobilization, and the government’s fiscal consolidation efforts.
The 2025 Mini-Budget represents a crucial tool to stabilize the economy and sustain critical services during a politically transitional period.
