The Minister of Finance is set to present the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review to Parliament on Thursday, July 24. The presentation is expected to give a comprehensive account of how the government has managed funds allocated in the national budget and to outline adjustments and strategies to address the current economic situation.
The review will highlight the performance of key sectors of the economy and provide clarity on government expenditure, revenue targets, and progress made on various developmental projects. It is also anticipated that the Finance Minister will make a case for additional budgetary allocations to support ongoing programs and respond to emerging challenges.
Ahead of the presentation, Legendreport engaged residents in Juaboso, located in the Western North Region, to gauge their expectations. Many of them expressed hope that the review would introduce relief measures to address the economic hardships being faced across the country.
One of the major expectations from the residents is a reduction in fuel prices. They believe this will help lower transportation costs and lead to a general decrease in the prices of goods and services. Rising fuel costs have been a concern for many communities, especially those in remote areas, where transportation remains a critical part of daily life.
Residents also expressed concern over the current rate of inflation, which continues to affect the cost of living. They are looking forward to stronger economic measures aimed at bringing inflation under control and stabilizing prices, especially for essential goods.
Support for agriculture emerged as another key issue. Locals want the government to prioritize investments in the agricultural sector by increasing the budgetary allocation to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. They believe that improved support for farmers would enhance productivity and food security in the region.
Cocoa farmers in particular are calling for an upward adjustment in cocoa prices to reflect the increasing cost of production. They hope that the Mid-Year Budget Review will include interventions that support the cocoa industry, which remains a vital source of income for many households in the Western North Region.
