Dr. Razak Kojo Opoku, Founder and President of the UP Tradition Institute (UPTI), has taken issue with the 2025 budget presented by the Finance Minister, arguing that it fails to reflect key promises made in the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s 2024 manifesto.
Speaking on Class 91.3 FM on Friday, March 21, 2024, Dr. Opoku expressed disappointment that the much-anticipated 24-hour economy policy, a major campaign pledge, was not featured in the budget statement.
Dr. Opoku dismissed claims by the Finance Minister that the framework for the 24-hour economy would be presented to Parliament later, insisting that such an approach contradicted the NDC’s initial commitment.
Additionally, he questioned the government’s decision to review the Labour Act and the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre Act before implementing the policy. According to him, such legal amendments were unnecessary and could cause delays in the rollout of the initiative.
Drawing comparisons to the New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s first budget in 2017, Dr. Opoku argued that the NPP administration fully incorporated its 2016 manifesto promises into its first financial plan. He contended that, in contrast, the NDC’s first budget appears disconnected from its campaign commitments.
Dr. Opoku urged NDC supporters to carefully scrutinize the 2025 budget to identify gaps and inconsistencies between the party’s manifesto and its actual financial policies. His remarks add to the growing debate over the NDC government’s commitment to fulfilling its electoral promises, particularly regarding the much-publicized 24-hour economy policy.
