2025 Budget Is For Chop Chop–Nitiwul ...But Mahama Ayariga Disagrees

**Dominic Nitiwul Critiques 2025 Budget**

In a recent parliamentary debate, former Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul criticized the 2025 budget. He called it a “chop chop” allocation for discretionary spending. He argued that it does not address the real needs of Ghanaians.

The Majority Leader disagreed with Nitiwul. He insisted that the budget meets the country’s developmental needs.

Nitiwul expressed his concerns during the debate. He stated, “If you know what general government services are, they are under Finance's control.” He described the budget as padded for discretionary spending.

He highlighted inconsistencies in allocations for key ministries. The MP for Bimbila said, “This government will be in office for four more years.” He emphasized that good governance is essential for all Ghanaians.

Nitiwul stressed that opposition members hold the government accountable. “If anyone is chasing you, it’s your promises to Ghanaians,” he added.

He raised concerns about funding for the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment. On page 142 of the budget document, he noted there was no capital expenditure (CAPEX) allocation.

Nitiwul also pointed out similar issues with youth development and sports ministries. He questioned how projects like stadium rehabilitation could proceed without funding.

He criticized a GHS 3.7 billion allocation to general government services. “None of this is tied to a single project,” he claimed.

Nitiwul questioned why some ministries lacked funds while judgment debts received CAPEX allocations. “Judgment debt has been allocated GHS 661 million CAPEX,” he argued.

He also challenged a GHS 200 million allocation for land compensation under CAPEX. “What are you going to build?” he asked regarding compensation payments categorized as capital expenditure.

The former minister urged Parliament to demand clarity on the GHS 3.7 billion allocation. “Call the Minister of Finance to explain how this money will be used,” he insisted.

**Majority Leader Responds**

In response, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga disagreed with Nitiwul’s views on the budget allocations. He explained that there were no plans for commercial farming in this budget.

Ayariga defended provisions made for judgment debts related to purchasing a plant. “It is CAPEX because we are purchasing a plant,” he clarified.

Regarding land compensation, Ayariga stated it was necessary for agricultural expansion plans. “Ghana imports $2 billion worth of food annually,” he noted, emphasizing large-scale agriculture requires land acquisition and compensation.

He urged Parliament to focus on broader economic goals rather than specific allocations alone. "We must prioritize what drives our economy forward," he concluded.

Ayariga asserted that the government remains committed to transparency and fulfilling critical obligations through these allocations.