Minister of State for Government Communication Felix Kwakye Ofosu has revealed that the Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, will be presenting the government's first budget on March 11.

According to him, the budget will explain the current state of the economy, and what the NDC administration inherited from the government.

He added that the budget would also outline key strategies to address the country’s economic challenges.

“…And then on the 11th of March, the Finance Minister will present his first budget, which would again explain the situation and indicate what government's policies are in respect of the economy and what measures will be rolled out going forward,” he said in a press briefing on Thursday, February 20.

Mr Kwakye Ofosu acknowledged that the state of the economy is far worse than previously understood, as confirmed by the Finance Minister’s recent briefing.

Despite the grim outlook, Mr Kwakye Ofosu assured Ghanaians that the government remains confident in its ability to reverse the economic downturn while highlighting the comprehensive policy proposals and programmes introduced by President John Mahama as crucial steps toward economic recovery.

Read also: President Mahama to deliver his first State of the Nation address

He added that in the coming days, President Mahama is expected to deliver a State of the Nation Address to Parliament, where he will provide an in-depth assessment of the country’s current economic state.

Following the President’s address, a National Economic Dialogue will be held from March 3 to 4, bringing together key stakeholders from academia, civil society, public service, and other sectors to discuss the state of the economy.

According to him, the dialogue will foster consensus on critical steps needed to steer the country toward sustainable growth and development.