Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has criticised the 2025 budget, describing it as uninspiring and a failure to address the needs of the private sector.

For the past two weeks, Parliament has been debating the budget statement, with lawmakers expected to pass the Appropriation Act by Friday.

During the concluding session of the debate, Mr Afenyo-Markin argued that the budget is riddled with contradictions and does not offer meaningful solutions for economic growth.

He explained that the budget only aims to "kill private sector initiative".

"It is the reason why they are unable to tell us a single initiative for the private sector. I ask a question: What is the work of the Trade Minister? They say they have an adviser for the 24-Hour Economy. What is his work? And they've loaded so many people at the Office of the Vice President; Advisor here, Chief of Staff here, How many Chiefs of Staff do you have at the presidency?"

However, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga pushed back against these claims, accusing the Minority Leader of misunderstanding how budgets work.

He defended the budget, calling it a "promise-fulfilling document" that outlines the government's commitment to economic recovery.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson urged MPs from both sides of the House to support the budget, emphasising that its implementation is crucial to achieving sustainable economic growth.

"The budget is one that is people-centered with innovative solutions to address our deep-seated socio-economic issues. Mr Speaker, it addresses our economic challenges, provides the necessary environment for business growth, introduces a 24-Hour Economy Initiative, provides economic opportunities, creates the atmosphere for providing ample jobs for our citizens...

"Mr Speaker, we will take on board the constructive criticisms that we have received on the floor of this house to reset the economy of Ghana and to deliver the Ghana we all want. This year, Mr Speaker, we have set for ourselves key targets and we believe these targets will be achieved."