By Savannah Pokuaah Duah
Member of Parliament for Tamale North, Honorable Suhuyini Sayibu Alhassan, has praised the recent national budget for its commitment to fulfilling key campaign promises and for incorporating what he described as humane provisions.
In an interview on TV3’s New Day program on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, Alhassan expressed his enthusiasm, highlighting several key aspects of the budget.
Alhassan emphasized the budget’s role in restoring faith in politicians’ commitments. “first of all, I was excited as a young Ghanaian that this budget sought to erase the notion that is fast gaining ground in relation to what many of our young people think of politicians, that when we win power as politicians, we renegotiate these campaign promises,” Alhassan stated. He contrasted this with the current administration’s approach. “Now, this budget sought to create the difference that there are some group of politicians, like His Excellency John Dramani-Mama in the NDC, who will promise the things they are committed to doing and implementing.”
He specifically mentioned several policy initiatives, demonstrating the government’s commitment to its pledges. “When we promised that we were going to create a women’s development bank, some thought that, well, it was just politically palatable. It was captured in the budget and provision is made for it,” Alhassan explained.
He pointed to the abolition of the E-levy as another example of the government’s adherence to its commitments. “When we talked about abolishing betting tax, e-levy, some wondered if it was not just the usual political talk. No, we didn’t have to renegotiate that. It was actually intended to be implemented and it has actually been implemented. It’s going to be abolished,” he asserted.
He also praised the budget’s humane considerations. “Now, you also look at the humane nature of this budget. I mean, for the first time, you have flood victims of the Akosombo spillage being provided for. You have the Keta shoreline, you know, problems being catered for,” he said, highlighting the government’s responsiveness to the needs of vulnerable populations. He also lauded the shift towards a more holistic approach to education, stating, “education is not, is no longer going to be about politics and about pass rates and about, it’s going to really be what it is meant to do.”
Honourable Alhassan’s comments reflect a positive assessment of the budget, particularly its fulfillment of campaign promises and its focus on social welfare.
