Franklin Cudjoe, the Founding President of IMANI Africa, has pointed out parts of the budget he believes will offer financial relief to citizens, especially through changes in taxation.

On The Keypoints on March 15, Franklin Cudjoe explained that providing relief from taxes like the e-levy essentially puts money back into people’s hands, increasing their disposable income. He highlighted the potential positive impact on small business owners, particularly women entrepreneurs, noting that even a small reduction in costs, such as the money saved from lower transfer fees, could significantly help those starting businesses with limited capital.

Cudjoe acknowledged, however, that while tax relief alone may not be sufficient, it plays an important role in the broader effort to alleviate financial pressures on citizens.

He noted, “Given where we are right now and the challenges and difficulties we’ve faced, I’m more interested in seeing a budget that addresses the larger problems of the people—specifically, their needs, and perhaps even their wants.”

Cudjoe further emphasized that while technical discussions around the budget are important, their real significance lies in how they translate into tangible improvements in essential sectors. He expressed concern that without meaningful impact, the budget would fail to address the real needs of the population. “What is the essence of the budget,” he asked, “if it doesn’t lead to positive changes in people’s lives, particularly in crucial areas like healthcare, education, and the reduction of hardcore poverty?” Cudjoe’s statement highlighted the need for the budget to focus on the practical, everyday challenges faced by citizens.

His remarks underscore his belief that national budgets should be crafted with a focus on directly improving the lives of the most vulnerable citizens, addressing their immediate needs, and ensuring that financial relief translates into meaningful progress in critical areas such as healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation.