The mark of a true and dedicated leader is listening to his people and being open to discussions, consultations and dialogues with key players on matters that are of the public’s interest. In the current state of our ailing economy, the government cannot afford to fold its arms or continue borrowing while watching the suffering of Ghanaians. Drastic actions must be implemented to rescue our economy from its deteriorating state.
Former President, John Dramani Mahama speaking on the topic “Ghana’s debt burden, reflections, and solutions” at the opening of a think tank called Think Progress Ghana has made the following recommendations to the Akuffo-Addo-led administration to help revive the crippling economy;
First, Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, must be promptly fired by President Akufo-Addo because he has failed the nation, among other things.
Additionally, Mr. Mahama requested that the President addresses the nation immediately on the state of the economy to garner support from the populace.
He also added that the President must execute a significant reorganization of his government to get rid of all the numerous dead wood who have made the ministries into personal dynasties. We cannot continue to allocate resources where no work is being done. I believe reorganizing the government will reduce government expenditure and help the nation’s economic growth.
Finally, President Akuffo Addo should consult with the brightest minds in the nation to develop a thorough plan to revive our economy.
In response to Moody’s and Fitch downgrading Ghana’s credit rating, Mr. Mahama claimed that President Akufo-Addo and his economic management team had failed to make rational choices that would have helped Ghana’s weak economy and said that Ghana will likely become “totally broke like Sri Lanka” if financial restraint is not maintained.
Mr. Mahama blamed the current government for resorting to useless political posturing over proposals on how to arrest the downward spiral, ensure discipline, and aid in the recovery of the economy and stalking all its hopes on the E-Levy, which is not adequate nor realistic as a sustained solution to the current economic crisis. He also lamented how there could be widespread support from the Ghanaian people, development partners, and the investor community, which were all being ignored by the President.