Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and his team at the Ministry of Finance recently embarked on a crucial mission to engage with market women, traders, and Ghanaians at the bustling Makola market. The goal of this outreach was to gather valuable input from the grassroots level for the upcoming 2025 budget.
As a seasoned economist and politician, Dr. Forson understands the importance of inclusive budgeting that reflects the needs and concerns of all citizens, particularly those at the microeconomic level .
By engaging with market women and traders, the Finance Minister aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges they face and the opportunities they envision.
The Makola market, a hub of economic activity in Accra, provided the perfect backdrop for this exercise in participatory budgeting. The market women and traders shared their insights on various issues, including taxation, access to credit, and infrastructure development. These inputs will undoubtedly inform the budgetary allocations and policy decisions that will impact their lives and livelihoods.
Dr. Forson’s commitment to inclusive budgeting is in line with his vision for a more resilient and inclusive economy . As he navigates the complexities of Ghana’s economic landscape, the Finance Minister recognizes that the voices of market women, traders, and ordinary Ghanaians must be heard and integrated into the budget-making process.
As Ghana prepares for the 2025 budget, Dr. Forson’s outreach to the Makola market community sends a strong signal about his commitment to transparency, accountability, and participatory governance.
By listening to the concerns and aspirations of the people, the Finance Minister can ensure that the budget reflects the true needs and priorities of the nation.