Parliament has approved the 2025 Appropriation Bill, granting the government access to GH¢293 billion from the Consolidated Fund and other public sources to finance national projects and services.

The bill provides a legal framework for government spending on infrastructure, social services, and economic programs aimed at national growth and stability.

The approval was announced by First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor, who declared, “Hon. Members, the Appropriation 2025 is now read the third time and accordingly passed.”

This paves the way for the expenditure of GH¢68 billion allocated for wages and salaries, reinforcing the government’s commitment to compensating public sector workers. Additionally, GH¢13 billion has been earmarked for settling arrears from previous years, addressing outstanding financial obligations.

The approval also allows the allocation of funds to critical sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, and local governance. A total of GH¢490.65 million, representing 4.72% of the approved budget, has been allocated to the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), the Youth Employment Agency, and the Scholarship Secretariat to support educational development. Additionally, funds have been earmarked for completing the GETFund Office Building to enhance its operational efficiency.

Parliament has also approved an allocation of GH¢6.37 billion for the Ministry of Defence for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025. The funds will be used for various defence-related expenditures, including the maintenance of military infrastructure, the procurement of essential equipment, and the strengthening of national security capabilities.

The approval is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the preparedness of the armed forces and address emerging security challenges.

The budget also prioritizes compensation for public sector workers, with GH¢68 billion allocated for wages and salaries. Healthcare funding has been reinforced with GH¢9.93 billion set aside for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), ensuring continued access to medical services. Meanwhile, the School Feeding Programme has received GH¢1.788 billion to support meal provision for students, contributing to better educational outcomes.

In a bid to enhance agricultural productivity under the Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA), GH¢1.5 billion has been allocated. Additionally, GH¢7.51 billion has been designated for the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) to support local governance initiatives.

GH¢96.6 million, equivalent to 0.93% of the total projected national expenditure, has been allocated to the MPs' Emergency Projects and Monitoring Fund. This will enable Members of Parliament to undertake development initiatives in their constituencies and oversee ongoing projects.

As part of this, each MP will receive GH¢200,000 to fund education-related projects within their constituencies, totaling GH¢55.2 million across Parliament, an increase from the GH¢150,000 allocated per MP in 2024. Furthermore, GH¢150,000 per MP, amounting to GH¢41.4 million overall, has been set aside for project monitoring, up from GH¢100,000 in 2024.

Meanwhile, Parliament has also passed the Ghana Gold Board Bill 2025, establishing the Gold Board to regulate the gold industry, enhance transparency and traceability, and boost foreign exchange earnings.

The bill facilitates the establishment of a newly formed body, GoldBod, which will oversee the purchase, sale, and export of gold, ensuring efficient management of the sector while generating revenue to stabilize the cedi.

Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga described the bill as a historic piece of legislation and urged legislators to take pride in their hard work.