Ghanaian Youth Applauds Mahama for the 2025 Budget
In a recent interview conducted by ghanaiandemocrat.com, the youth of Ghana expressed overwhelming support for President John Mahama’s 2025 budget, which they believe is a significant step towards addressing the pressing needs of the younger generation. With a focus on education, health, and skill development, the budget allocates a total of GHC 8.4 billion towards various youth-centered initiatives, marking a pivotal moment in Ghana’s commitment to youth empowerment.
One of the most notable allocations is GHC 499.8 million dedicated to the No-Academic Fee policy for first-year students in public tertiary institutions. This initiative aims to ease the financial burden on students and their families, allowing more young Ghanaians to pursue higher education without the fear of crippling debt. “This is a game changer for many of us who dream of attending university but struggle to pay fees. It’s refreshing to see a government that listens to our needs,” remarked Kwame, a university aspirant from Accra.
The free secondary education program has also received a substantial allocation of GHC 3.5 billion, ensuring that quality education remains accessible to all. This initiative has already proven beneficial in previous years, as it has significantly increased enrollment rates across the country. “Free education has allowed many of my peers to complete their secondary education, which has opened doors for us in terms of job opportunities,” shared Adjoa, a recent high school graduate.
Another critical aspect of the budget is the GHC 564.6 million allocated for the provision of free curricula-based textbooks. This measure not only enhances the learning experience for students but also alleviates the financial strain on families. “Having access to free textbooks means that we can focus more on our studies instead of worrying about costs,” said Michael, a high school student.
Moreover, the budget includes GHC 1.788 billion for the School Feeding Programme, which has proven essential in promoting health and nutrition among students, thereby improving attendance rates. “The school feeding program has been a lifesaver for many of us. It ensures that we have at least one nutritious meal each day, which is crucial for our concentration and overall health,” noted Fatima, a beneficiary of the program.
In addition to educational initiatives, the budget allocates GHC 145.5 million for the cavitation grant, GHC 203 million for the payment of teacher trainee allowances, and GHC 480 million for nursing trainee allowances. These allocations reflect a recognition of the importance of investing in the next generation of educators and healthcare professionals. “Support for teacher and nursing trainees ensures that we have qualified individuals ready to serve our communities,” emphasized Kofi, a teacher trainee.
The National Apprenticeship Programme, supported by GHC 300 million, aims to equip youth with practical skills necessary for the job market. “This program is vital for us who prefer vocational training over traditional education. It opens up numerous avenues for employment,” stated Esi, a participant in the apprenticeship scheme.
Additionally, the allocation of GHC 100 million for the National Coders Programme is a forward-thinking initiative designed to equip Ghanaian youth with essential coding and digital skills. As the global economy increasingly relies on technology, this program aims to prepare young people for high-demand careers in IT and software development. Participants will receive training in various programming languages and digital entrepreneurship, fostering a generation capable of driving technological innovation in Ghana. “This program opens doors for us in the tech industry, which is crucial for our future,” highlighted Kwesi, a participant in the coding initiative.
Furthermore, the budget includes GHC 2.924 million for the distribution of free sanitary pads to female students, a crucial step toward promoting gender equity in education. Access to sanitary products is vital for ensuring that girls can attend school without interruptions due to menstruation. This initiative not only addresses health and hygiene concerns but also encourages more girls to pursue their education confidently. “Having access to sanitary pads means I can focus on my studies instead of worrying about my period,” noted Ama, a female student.
The positive reception of this budget is a clear indication that the youth of Ghana are hopeful for a future where their potential is nurtured through strategic investments in education, health, and skill development. “We appreciate President Mahama for prioritizing our needs in this budget. It gives us hope that our voices matter and that the government is committed to our development,” concluded Kojo, a youth advocate.
As the government moves forward with the implementation of these initiatives, the youth of Ghana stand ready to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead, confident that their future is brighter with the support of a responsive administration. The 2025 budget represents not just a financial plan but a vision for a more equitable and prosperous Ghana, where the youth can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.
By: Idris Ibn Mohammed
