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Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has affirmed the government’s continued dedication to strengthening social protection programs and local development initiatives in 2025. In his presentation of the government’s first budget statement to Parliament on Tuesday, March 11, Dr. Forson outlined several key reforms and increased allocations aimed at improving critical social programs.

Dr. Forson highlighted that the government would intensify reforms and increase funding for four key social protection programs: the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme, the School Feeding Programme, and the Capitation Grant. These initiatives are central to ensuring sustainable development and social welfare.

Notably, the LEAP programme, which supports vulnerable households, will see a significant boost. The government has adjusted benefit payments to reflect inflation, and the number of beneficiary households will increase from 350,000 to 400,000 by July 2025. The LEAP budget will also rise by 30.8%, from GH¢728.8 million to GH¢953.5 million.

In addition, the School Feeding Programme will experience a 33% increase in both its overall allocation and the per pupil feeding cost, aimed at improving the quality and reach of the initiative. The Capitation Grant, which supports basic education, has been significantly increased, with its budget rising from GH¢84 million in 2024 to GH¢145.5 million in 2025, a 73.2% increase.

To support infrastructure development, particularly in road maintenance, Dr. Forson revealed that the Road Fund has been uncapped, with GH¢2.81 billion allocated exclusively for this purpose in 2025. This marks a 155.5% increase over the 2024 allocation of GH¢1.1 billion.

In a move to strengthen decentralization, the government has earmarked GH¢7.51 billion for the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF). Dr. Forson proposed that at least 80% of these funds be sent directly to district assemblies to facilitate local economic growth. This is a significant change from previous years, where less than half of the DACF allocation reached the districts, with a substantial portion spent at the central level.

These fiscal commitments demonstrate the government’s intent to reinforce social safety nets, enhance infrastructure, and promote decentralization, ensuring that the benefits of development reach communities across the country.

Source; mynewsgh