2017 Budget is 'Kasapa' Budget - Atta Mills

The National Democratic Congress’ (NDCs) Member of Parliament for Komenda Edina Eguafo (KEEA) constiuency Hon. Samuel Atta Mills in an interview today [Thursday] 2nd March, 2017 termed the maiden edition of the NPP government’s budget which was read in parliament by the Minister of Finance Hon. Ken Ofori Atta as Kasapa Budget.

He explained further that, “talk is cheap” and it is left to Ghanaians to observe critically the details and implied meanings of all the budget statements and that is when we would understands what it really says.

He was speaking to our parliamentary correspondent, Naa Darkuah Dodoo immediately after the Finance Minister has delivered his budget. Some highlights of the budget presented on Thursday includes the Planting for Jobs project which is expected to create over 75, 000 jobs.

Government according to the Minister will pursue effective debt management and reduce borrowing.

The new administration according to the minister will transform Ghana’s challenging economy to a full-fledged middle income economy. The 2017 budget he indicated will set in motion the following key policy priorities and flagship projects:establishment of the Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Project (IPEP).

Under this project, every constituency will be allocated the cedi equivalent of US$1 million to combat poverty and improve the lives of rural dwellers and deprived communities; implementation of the “One District One Factory” programme; establishment of the Zongo Development Fund to support the provision of critical infrastructure and services;roll-out of the National Identification Scheme to facilitate the efficient delivery of public and private services and help formalise the economy; roll-out free SHS to ensure equal opportunities for all and enhancement of human capital for the country; roll-out of a national digital addressing system to provide unique addresses for all properties in Ghana; and restoration of teachers and nurses training allowances.

But Hon. Mills says the budget has no hope for Ghanaians and the Minister came only to engage in cheap talk.