He outlined a series of cost-cutting measures aimed at reducing government expenditure and ensuring prudent financial management.

Speaking at a meeting with World Bank Division Director Robert Taliercio O’Brien and his team, Dr. Forson reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to fiscal prudence, particularly within the framework of the country’s IMF-supported programme. Acknowledging the financial challenges of the past year—including the struggle to achieve even a 0.5% primary surplus—he emphasized that the government remains resolute in maintaining fiscal stability.

“As a government, we are taking decisive action to curb unnecessary expenditures across all sectors,” Dr. Forson stated. “Leading by example, I have made it clear that the era of free, non-essential conference travel is over. Delegation sizes will be significantly reduced, with three officials now expected to accomplish the work of ten, ensuring greater efficiency without compromising productivity.”

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Among the bold measures introduced, the Finance Minister has implemented substantial budget cuts, including reductions within the Office of the President. These steps, he stressed, are designed to ensure that public funds are allocated effectively to projects that drive economic growth and improve the lives of Ghanaians.

Dr. Forson also welcomed the World Bank’s continued support for Ghana’s education reforms, particularly the additional resources allocated to the sector. However, he underscored that the government’s priority remains maintaining a disciplined and sustainable financial trajectory to reassure both investors and development partners.

With these stringent measures, the Finance Ministry is signaling a clear shift towards greater efficiency in government operations while prioritizing essential investments to bolster Ghana’s economic resilience.

Parliament has also approved the scrapping of the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy) in the 2025 budget statement.

TV3’s Parliamentary reporter Christian Yalley, who was in Parliament on Wednesday, March 26 reported that this was after the House passed the Electronic Transaction Levy (Repeal) Bill, 2025.

E-levy was a tax applied on transactions made on electronic or digital platforms in Ghana since 29 March 2022. The tax was to mobilise revenue to support entrepreneurship and national development. However, the anticipated proceeds were not realised.

The Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, had earlier announced that the government would be abolishing the E-levy, and the 10% tax on lottery winnings, also known as betting tax.

The Minister announced this when he presented the government’s first budget statement to Parliament on Tuesday, March 11.

The Minister also announced the cancellation of other levies, including the Emissions tax.

He also announced that in an attempt to review the Value Added Tax system, the government will also eventually abolish the COVID-19 levy.

Dr Forson stressed that the government remained committed to social protection programmes, with increased budgetary allocations to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), the Livelihood Empower­ment Against Poverty (LEAP) Programme, the School Feeding Programme, and the Capitation Grant.

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