Better Ghana journey not for pessimists – Finance Minister
The government says its 2014 Budget reflects a determination to confront the very difficult responsibility of realigning the budget to meet key national priorities. It is one for the hopeful and strong and not the pessimist.
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Finance and Economic Planning Minister, Seth Terkper, who made the declaration in Parliament during his presentation of the Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the government, said the budget had been prepared with due consideration of the aspirations of the Ghanaian for a better Ghana that provides opportunity for all.
The journey, he explained, is one that demands measures necessary for making a smooth transition to Lower/Middle Income Country status, including the expansion of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) Program from 100,000 to 150,000 households.
The Budget is on the theme: “Rising to the Challenge: Re-aligning the Budget to meet Key National Priorities”.
“We will continue to provide key sectors like agriculture and manufacturing with incentives to enhance their competiveness. Two funds will be set up to address two key challenges that this country faces: limited infrastructure and access to credit for our small and medium scale enterprises that form a significant component of our economy and employ a good number of our people. This we believe, will not only create jobs but generate the environment for increased economic activity.
“Mr. Speaker, there is the general view, that countries attain middle income status and economic growth at the expense of social service provision. Government, therefore, recognizes the need to consciously provide basic goods and services to individuals and families who are poor or vulnerable to mitigate, prevent or cope with economic, social, natural and other shocks that affect their livelihood and survival.”
He said to improve efficiency in the delivery of public services, government has for the first time introduced performance measurement in the budget management, pushing state agencies to be more efficient and deliver value for every cedi spent.
“Mr. Speaker, it is our conviction that this budget makes proposal for programmes that will improve the lives of our people in the context of our new emerging status. It will definitely require some sacrifices and the support of members of this august house and all Ghanaians but surely it will deliver the better Ghana that we promised,” he told the house.
