Parliament has approved the 2025 Appropriation Bill, granting the government access to GH¢293 billion from the Consolidated Fund and other public sources for the 2025 financial year. 

This legislation provides a framework for government spending, ensuring resources are allocated to critical sectors of the economy.

A significant portion of the approved budget—GH¢68 billion—has been designated for wages and salaries, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing the living standards of public sector workers.

Additionally, GH¢13 billion has been allocated to clear outstanding arrears from previous years.

During the debate on the bill, the Minority Chief Whip and New Patriotic Party Member of Parliament (MP) for Nsawam-Adoagyiri in the Eastern Region, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, raised concerns over the GH¢3 billion excess in the appropriation figure and sought further explanation from the finance minister.

He also questioned the inclusion of the Gold Board in the appropriation, arguing that the legislative process for its establishment was still incomplete.

“We have started the process, but we are not done yet. So we cannot put the cart before the horse, yet I find the Gold Board captured in the appropriation. Would you want to discount it and wait for its passage into law before capturing it in the appropriation?” he queried.

Despite those concerns, Dompreh expressed support for the bill’s passage, while insisting on further clarification regarding the issues raised.

Response

Responding to the concerns raised by the Minority Chief Whip, the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, said the GH¢3 billion excess in the appropriation resulted from additional revenue generated through Internally Generated Funds (IGF).

He assured the House that the committee had been briefed on how these funds would be utilised.

“Mr Speaker, we agreed that the additional revenues will be used to pay down arrears accumulated over the last year. This does not affect the bottom line or the primary balance, which remains a surplus of 1.5 per cent.

We worked closely with the committee and explained these details to them,” Dr Forson, who is also the National Democratic Congress MP for Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam in the Central Region, said.

He further emphasised that the bill’s approval does not immediately authorise expenditure, as spending will depend on available funds.

While allocations cannot be exceeded, actual expenditures may be lower if funds are insufficient.