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Barcelona player Gavi chooses unexpected teammate as the best player in the world, despite Lamine Yamal and Raphinha vying for the Golden Ball.

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Pedri’s outstanding midfield efforts for Barcelona have inspired Gavi to pass over Raphinha and Lamine Yamal for the 2025 Ballon d’Or award.

Barcelona easily defeated Benfica in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 on Tuesday, 4-1 on aggregate, thanks to a brace from Raphinha and an absolute stunner from Lamine Yamal. Pedri was the true star of the night, winning the MVP award.

Pedri is arguably enjoying his best season to date personally. The 22-year-old appears to have put his injury struggles behind him, overcoming the persistent issues that marked the first three-and-a-half years of his Barcelona career. Around almost the same time last year, a report appeared in the Spanish media which claimed that the Catalans no longer considered Pedri an indispensable figure in the squad.

However, it has been quite a turnaround for Pedri under new head coach Hansi Flick, with the midfielder producing one world-class display after another. He earned Player of the Match honours in both legs against Benfica as they progressed to the quarters, further solidifying Barcelona’s position as one of the favourites to win this year’s Champions League. His standout performances have led Gavi to praise the Barca No.8, even backing him to lift the Ballon d’Or.

“Nobody deserves the Ballon D’Or more than Pedri, everyone knows what kind of a player he is,” Gavi told reporters on Tuesday (h/t Football Espana). Pedri’s name has rarely been in the Ballond’Or discussion, with his Barca team-mates Yamal and Raphinha seen as genuine contenders alongside the likes of Mo Salah, Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane.

Wayne Rooney fires blame at ‘lazy’ Virgil van Dijk for Liverpool’s Champions League defeat to PSG

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Wayne Rooney blasted Virgil van Dijk of “lazy” defence for PSG’s winning goal as Liverpool were knocked out of the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Liverpool carried a one-goal advantage to Anfield for the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 fixture against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, but Ousmane Dembele was quick to draw the French side level on aggregate as he scored the opener in the 12th minute of the match. The goal proved pivotal for the French champions, who eventually progressed to the quarter-finals after a 4-1 penalty shootout victory.

Ex-Manchester United star and pundit Wayne Rooney was extremely critical of Reds talisman Van Dijk as he claimed that the Dutchman didn’t make enough effort to stay with Dembele before his decisive goal. Speaking on Amazon Prime, Rooney said: “This goal from Liverpool’s point of view is wrong in so many different ways. They are trying to press the ball, Van Dijk gets lazy. If you watch Van Dijk, he leaves a massive gap [to Dembele]. If you switch off for one second at this level, you get punished.”

The 39-year-old also claimed that the Ligue 1 giants deserved to progress to the next round as they were the better side over the two legs. “When you lose in a penalty shoot-out, it hurts – it’s cruel when you lose on penalties. PSG, I think, over the two legs, were probably the better team… probably deserved to go through and will be delighted. The penalties were fantastic. You can see PSG have worked on their penalties,” Rooney added.

Lionel Messi is expected to follow ‘phoenix’ Neymar’s lead by returning to his childhood club following MLS spell with Inter Miami, but the ex-Premier League great believes Cristiano Ronaldo will retire in Saudi Arabia.

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Lionel Messi is expected to follow Neymar’s lead and return to hometown club Newell’s Old Boys following his spell in MLS with Inter Miami.

After a disappointing stint with Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, Neymar has returned to Brazil to play for his childhood club Santos. The attacker is attempting to rediscover form and fitness at Santos following an injury-ravaged period in the Middle East, and he has just been nominated to Brazil’s team for forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina. Santos president Marcelo Teixeiro has previously stated that he hopes Neymar would remain with the club until after the 2026 World Cup.

Messi is now being tipped to follow Neymar’s example and head back to his homeland for one final stint before hanging up his boots. Former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit thinks Messi could be tempted back to Argentina, where he began his career with Newell’s Old Boys, but expects another legend of the game, Cristiano Ronaldo, to stay put in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr.

Petit told CasinoAppsThatPayRealMoney.com: “If there is one more move for Lionel Messi it would be wanting to finish his career in Argentina, look at how well Neymar is doing back in Brazil, he is like a Phoenix from the flames. Having said that, Messi looks very happy in Miami with his team-mates, living in the sun and being the biggest star in the MLS at 37. With Ronaldo, I can’t see him leaving, he is 40 and has a huge contract in Saudi Arabia, it’s not just about money but he is also the star. He’ll be happy to finish his career there.”

Thierry Henry praises the “complete” Barcelona talisman and outlines the main reason why Raphinha has an advantage over both Harry Kane and Mohamed Salah in the Ballon d’Or contest.

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Raphinha is the clear frontrunner to win this year’s Ballon d’Or over Harry Kane and Mohamed Salah, according to Thierry Henry.

The Brazilian winger, who has been in outstanding form in the 2024–25 season, was the hero of Barcelona’s 3-1 victory against Benfica in the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 match on Tuesday. With a goal and an assist in the second leg, Harry Kane helped Bayern Munich defeat Bayer Leverkusen 5-0 on aggregate, advancing them to the quarterfinals as well.

While Kane and Raphinha had stellar outings with their respective teams, Mohamed Salah had an off day on the pitch as Liverpool crashed out of the Champions League after losing 4-1 in a penalty shootout against Paris Saint-Germain. After Tuesday’s European fixtures, Raphinha is slowly catching up with Kane and Salah in terms of total goals across all competitions this term. While England’s captain and the Egyptian star have scored 32 goals each, the Brazilian now has 27 goals to his name, including a competition-leading 11 in the Champions League, the most of any Brazilian player in a single season of European football.

Hailing Raphinha’s incredible season, Arsenal legend and pundit Thierry Henry made a bold claim that the Blaugrana attacker is now the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or, giving him the edge over Kane and Salah because he doesn’t take penalties. Speaking on CBS Sports, the Frenchman said: “Raphinha is ahead for me now, he is ahead because of what he is doing in the Champions League. He has 11 goals in the Champions League. Mo Salah is a great contender for it, Kane is a contender and [Ousmane] Dembele. It depends if you perform in the Champions League, on top of winning your league. Raphinha is on a lot of goals and with only one penalty.

“I am not saying that Kane and Salah should not be having penalties. Mo Salah is having a season in the Premier League that we will never see again. I am saying that if a guy has virtually the same amount of goals as you guys scored, without penalties, I am not going to say that is bad what you did – it is outstanding – but this guy I have to talk a bit more about him. Raphinha, when people talk about being complete as a striker, you need to know about putting on pressure, defending, and helping your full-back. And he has it all.”

2025 Budget: key points at a glance

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Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, the Finance Minister on Tuesday, March 11, delivered the ruling National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) first Economic Policy and Budget Statement, after the Party’s return to power in the December 7 general election.

He stated that the state of the economy did not reflect an economy that had turned the corner; it reflects an economy in severe distress, burdened by debt repayment humps, mismanagement and a lack of accountability.

He said the 2025 budget sets Ghana on a path of fiscal responsibility, debt sustainability, macroeconomic stability and job creation; stating that it was about resetting the economy and restoring hope.

Dr Forson said the previous administration awarded contracts outside the expenditure framework; adding that they borrowed over and above Ghana’s capacity to repay. 

The Finance Minister said President John Dramani Mahama’s administration would be fiscally disciplined and deliver improved public services to the people in a cost-effective manner.

He said the NDC administration remained steadfast in meeting the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme targets while restoring Ghana’s credit worthiness.

“We have achieved a lot in a short time, but this is only the beginning. Our commitment to reform will not waver,” Dr Forson said.

“Those who doubt our resolve underestimate the determination of the people of Ghana, who will no longer tolerate ineffective governance.

“Together, we will navigate these turbulent times and emerge stronger.”

Dr Forson said they were committed to running a lean and efficient government of 60 ministers; saying “We have delivered!”

He said they were committed to Scrapping the E-Levy; “We have delivered!”

He said the Government was committed to scrapping the Betting (winnings) tax – “We have delivered!”

“We committed to eliminate academic fees for first year public tertiary students – We have delivered!” He said.

“We committed to providing free tertiary education for all People With Disability – We have delivered!”

Dr Forson said the Government was committed to having a dedicated source of funding for free secondary education; declaring that they had delivered!

He said they were committed to distributing sanitary pads to the nation’s schoolgirls, which they have delivered!

He said they were committed to uncap the GETFund, which they had delivered!

“We committed to uncap the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL)– We have delivered! We committed to uncap the Road Fund– We have delivered! We committed to hold a National Forum on Education – We have delivered!,” he said 

“We committed to hold a National Dialogue on the Economy – We have delivered! We are committed to deliver Free Primary Healthcare – We are delivering!”

Dr Forson said the Government was committed to deliver the MahamaCares programme to finance the treatment of non-communicable diseases; adding that they were committed to deliver free textbooks to school children.

“We committed to sustainable debt management – We are delivering! We committed to implement the $10 billion Big Push Programme for accelerated infrastructure development – We are delivering!”

He underscored their commitment to a Constitution Review process to build the Ghana they want together.

Dr Forson reiterated the Government’s commitment to Recover All Looted State Funds under our Operation Recover All Loot programme; declaring that they were committed to Reset Ghana.

Total revenue, grants for 2025 projected at GH¢223.8 billion  

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The Total Revenue and Grants for 2025 is projected at GH¢223.8 billion or 17.2 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) up from GH¢186.5 billion or 17.4 per cent of GDP.   

The projection is underpinned by non-oil revenue measures, which are expected to yield at least 0.5 per cent of GDP.  

Dr Ato Baah Forson, the Minister of Finance, said this when he presented the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament in Accra on Tuesday, on the theme: “Resetting the Economy for the Ghana We Want.”   

He said total expenditures (commitment) for 2025 had been programmed at GH¢269.1 billion (20.7 per cent of GDP) down from GH¢279.2 billion (26.0 per cent of GDP) in 2024.  

Primary Expenditure on a commitment basis (expenditures net of interest payments) is projected at GH¢204.7 billion, representing 15.8 p er cent of GDP in 2025, a significant decline from GH¢232.4, representing 21.7 per cent of GDP in 2024.  

He said based on the resource allocations for the fiscal year, the total appropriation for the year ending December 31, 2025, was GH¢290,971,212,435.  

“Based on the estimates for total revenue and grants and total expenditure (commitment), the projected overall balance on commitment basis is a deficit of GH¢43.8 billion, equivalent to 3.1 per cent of GDP,” he added.   

The corresponding primary balance on commitment basis was a surplus of GH¢ 20.3 billion, equivalent to 1.5 per cent of GDP.  

On cash basis, overall balance is a deficit of GH¢56.9 billion, equivalent to 4.1 per cent of GDP.   

The Minister said the corresponding primary balance on cash basis was a surplus of GH¢7.3 billion, equivalent to 0.5 per cent of GDP, with the cash deficit of GH¢56.9 billion expected to be financed from both foreign and domestic sources.   

The total foreign net financing would amount to GH¢21.4 billion (1.5 per cent of GDP), the Minister said.   

Foreign financing would include a provision for financing from IMF Extended Credit Facility programme disbursements of US$720 million and World Bank Development Policy Operation funding of US$600 million.  

The residual net domestic financing will amount to GH¢36.9 billion (2.6 per cent of GDP), representing 65.0 per cent of the total financing for 2025.   

This is expected to be sourced from the issuances of debt at the short end of the domestic market.  

Majority Leader describes 2025 Budget as “reflection of government’s Commitment”

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Mr. Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business in Parliament, has described the 2025 Budget as a testament to John Dramani Mahama government’s dedication to fulfilling its promises

In a comment after Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson had presented the budget to Parliament on Tuesday in Accra, Mr. Ayariga emphasised the budget’s potential to offer hope to ordinary Ghanaians and introduce significant economic reforms.

He said: “Mr. Speaker, this clearly is a budget of a government and a party that keeps its promises. Almost every promise made by the Mahama government has been fulfilled in less than 120 days.”

Mr. Ayariga, also the National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, highlighted that the budget prioritised key sectors, directly benefiting market women, assembly members, students, and the public.

“Mr. Speaker, this budget is for Makola women, Assembly Men, girls, and school children. It delivers solid reforms and drives economic growth. By the time we finish implementing this budget, the elephant will be small—osono b3y3 ketekete,” he stated on the Floor of the House.

The budget introduced major policy measures aimed at stabilising and revitalising the economy. 

It was presented by the Minister of Finance in accordance with Article 179 of the 1992 Constitution.

Key manifesto promises that ‘manifested’ in 2025 Budget

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The Government has unveiled a series of initiatives in the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy, aimed at resetting the economy, creating jobs, and ensuring prosperity for Ghanaians across various sectors.

Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the finance minister, presented the Government’s first budget to the Ninth Parliament on Tuesday.

Key among the reliefs captured in the Budget was the abolition of some taxes that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) had described as “regressive” and had assured they would scrap.

The taxes to be abolished, as announced by Dr. Forson, include the COVID-19 Levy, the 10 percent tax on bet winnings, the 1 percent E-Levy, Emission Levy, VAT on motor vehicle insurance policy, and the 1.5 percent withholding tax on the winnings of unprocessed gold by small-scale miners.

The Government has also announced the allocation of GH¢100 million for the payment of allowances to Assembly Members.

The Government also intends to commence the implementation of one of its flagship programmes, dubbed the “Big Push” policy, for strategic infrastructural development and to drive sustainable economic growth under the 24-Hour Economic Policy.

Dr. Forson stated that an amount of GH¢13.85 billion had been allocated for the implementation of the Big Push Programme.

In fulfilment of the Government’s promise to equip the youth with employable skills, the finance minister said that an amount of GH¢300 million had been allocated to the National Apprenticeship Programme, GH¢100 million to the ‘Adwumawura’ Programme, and GH¢100 million for the National Coders Programme.

Under education, the Government announced a dedicated source of funding for the Free Senior High School Programme and the provision of free tertiary education for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) by uncapping the GETFund.

The Government also announced the allocation of GH¢499.8 million for the No-Academic-Fee policy for all first-year students in public tertiary institutions under the ‘No-Fees-Stress’ initiative.

Among the social intervention promises captured in the budget was the allocation of GH¢292.4 million to commence the distribution of free sanitary pads to female students in primary and secondary schools.

The Government also announced an allocation of GH¢242.5 million to support victims of the Akosombo dam spillage, as well as an amount of GH¢200 million to support the victims of the tidal wave disaster that recently displaced residents of Agavedzi and surrounding communities in the Ketu South constituency.

Other social intervention initiatives include an increase in the budgetary allocation to the School Feeding Programme from GH¢1.344 billion to GH¢1.788 billion to reflect an increase in the feeding cost per meal per child per day from GH¢1.50 to GH¢2.00.

The Government announced the allocation of GH¢203 million for the payment of Teacher Trainee allowances and another GH¢480 million for Nursing Trainee allowances.

Minority describes 2025 Budget “Azaa Budget” with no hope for Ghanaian youth

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The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority Caucus in Parliament, has described the 2025 Budget and Economic Policy Statement as an “Azaa Budget” (meaning a scam) without offering any hope and inspiration for the Ghanaian youth.

Mr Alexander Afenyo- Markin, the Minority Leader, while commenting on the Budget presented by the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, on Tuesday, said the Budget was full of lamentations, like the President’s State of the Nation Address.

He wondered how a major policy like the 24-hour economy policy, which featured prominently in the electioneering in 2024 was missing in this year’s budget.

The Minority Leader noted that the youth were waiting anxiously to hear how the 24-hour economy policy would bring economic transformation and create jobs, however, they were disappointed to hear that the details of the policy were not ready.

“The budget has no hope or inspiration, but only repetition of social intervention programmes,” Mr Afenyo-Markin stated.

The Minority Leader also wondered how the Government complained bitterly about the state of the economy inherited from the New Patriotic Party Government, describing it as “criminally managed and in crisis” could grow at 5.7 per cent in 2024 as statistics released by the Ghana Statistical Service had revealed.

“The economy in 2024 grew by 5.7 per cent GDP with four months import cover. Under Mahama’s reset, it is projecting four per cent growth and three months import cover,” he noted.

The presentation of the budget comes on the heels of an economic dialogue, organised by the Government last week, which brought together the finest brains and key stakeholders to brainstorm on the current economic challenges.

It is expected that the Budget would spur macro-economic stability, restore good governance, structural policy reforms, infrastructure development, and enhance productivity and economic growth.

Government allots GH¢9.93 billion to NHIS

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Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Finance Minister, Tuesday announced that an amount of GH¢9.93 billion had been programmed for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). 

Delivering the 2025 budget statement in Parliament, he said the Government had also uncapped the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL).

He explained that the GH¢9.93 billion would cover claim payments, essential medicines, vaccine payments, Free Primary Healthcare, the Ghana Medical Care Trust, and bridging the USAID financing shortfall, among other things.

“Government will continue to implement reforms and increase budgetary allocations to enhance the implementation of the four targeted social protection programmes, namely NHIS, the LEAP Programme, the School Feeding Programme, and the Capitation Grant,” he assured.

Dr. Forson said the uncapped National Health Insurance Levy, which was part of the government’s manifesto promise during the 2024 elections, would ensure that the full amount of the levy would go to the National Insurance Authority (NHIA).

This would enable the NHIA to pay health facilities for the treatment provided to National Health Insurance cardholders.

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