As Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson stepped out on Budget Day, the cameras weren’t just focused on him—the nation’s eyes were drawn to the rich, handcrafted leather briefcase he carried. This was no ordinary bag. It was The Horseman Minimalist Handmade Leather Briefcase, a product of Ghanaian excellence, designed by celebrated shoemaker Tonyi Senaya’s Horseman.
For the first time in Ghana’s history, the Budget was symbolically carried in a Made-in-Ghana bag—an embodiment of President John Mahama’s “Buy Ghana, Wear Ghana” agenda. Crafted from premium authentic leather, this briefcase wasn’t just about functionality; it was about telling a story of resilience, self-reliance, and national pride.
A Tradition Reimagined
Across the world, Budget Bags hold deep symbolic meaning. In the United Kingdom, for instance, the Chancellor of the Exchequer traditionally carries the red Budget Box, a scarlet leather-covered wooden case that dates to the 1860s. Year after year, the UK’s finance ministers have stood on the steps of 11 Downing Street, proudly hoisting their budget statement in that iconic box.

The very word Budget originates from the old French “bougette,” meaning little bag. Historically, finance ministers have used such a case to transport their budget statements, a tradition that has evolved but remains significant.
Ghana’s introduction of its own locally crafted Budget Bag marks a new chapter in the country’s economic storytelling. No longer must Ghana’s leaders rely on foreign symbols—instead, they embrace one of their own, a bold statement of belief in the nation’s artisans, industries, and economic potential.
A Bag That Holds More Than a Budget
Beyond carrying the official documents of Ghana’s fiscal roadmap, this bag represents a vision. A vision where Ghanaian craftsmanship stands on the world stage. A vision where every leather product, every textile, every piece of local ingenuity is valued, supported, and celebrated.
As Dr. Forson stepped forward with the Horseman briefcase in hand, it wasn’t just about delivering the numbers—it was about making a promise: Ghana will invest in itself. Ghana will believe in itself. Ghana will prosper.
Latest Stories
-
GSTEP empowers over 30,000 Ghanaian students with practical STEM skills, government support needed
9 minutes -
GPRTU suspends planned strike over GH₵1 fuel levy after meeting with Energy Ministry
16 minutes -
GH₵1 fuel levy: Gov’t should conclude negotiations on the power purchase agreement – Minority
27 minutes -
GFA slaps Berekum Chelsea Coach and players with GHC 1,000 fines for misconduct, suspends penalties
40 minutes -
Chamber of Aquaculture, UK’s DEFRA train women farmers in aquaculture biosecurity
44 minutes -
U-20 AFCON snub motivated me to prove myself – Edmund Asante
48 minutes -
Nurses didn’t exhaust all avenues before declaring strike – Health Committee Chairman
51 minutes -
Public figures to join Let Love Lead’s commemorative clean-up at Kwame Nkrumah Circle
54 minutes -
All set for ‘3 Faces of Jeffrey Nortey’ at the National Theatre on June 14
58 minutes -
GRA to further engage OMCs on implementation of new tariff this week
58 minutes -
GH₵1 fuel levy meant to purchase fuel to prevent dumsor, not to settle debts – Bedzrah
1 hour -
Chivu announced as new Inter head coach
1 hour -
I was disrespected by a gospel artiste for trying to make a gospel EP – Kwabena Kwabena
1 hour -
Minority decries GH₵1 fuel levy as highest-ever tax rate introduced at first instance
1 hour -
Healing with Heart: St John of God surgeons turn clubfoot struggles into steps of hope
2 hours