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23.04.2014 Editorial

Let Us Sign Up Now

By Daily Guide
Let Us Sign Up Now
23.04.2014 LISTEN

We have heard and observed all the ranting regarding the heated subject of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and wish to join in the debate.

Our decision has been informed by our total commitment to the Ghana First agenda which we expect other Ghanaians to follow, regardless of so-called ideological inclinations which appear to be driving those demurring.

Ghana in her present dizzying economic position, cannot afford to lose out on matters which could change the lot of her people and restore hope in her fiscal matters.

Considering what we stand to gain when we sign the agreement, we are hard-pushed to fathom what is behind the resistance of others on the issue at this time.

Much as we are unable to stop Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) from putting forth their positions since they are convinced about these, we too are equally entitled to our opinion. We cannot agree with our compatriots on the other side of the argument which seeks to deny the fact that the advantages in signing far outweigh the disadvantages.

With our neighbours La Cote d'Ivoire already signing the deal, our refusal to follow suit will not only expose us to avoidable drawbacks, but deny us critical relationships with this part of the world from which 40% of our worldwide imports originate.

The fear about the negative repercussions of signing the EPA deal will prove to be needless when we start drinking from the advantages which come with opening our small markets to Europe and given access to her vast economic opportunities.

Imagine the reduced prices of commodities on our markets and the economic benefits of such a development on our country.

In any case, the Europeans will not lose much when Ghana does not sign into such an arrangement comparatively. Need we therefore get so worked up when it does seem that those in favour are winning the day?

We have taken notice of the concerns raised by stakeholders at the Cocoa Processing Company, Golden Exotic Company and Pioneer Food Cannery, especially their worry about the repercussions of continued tarry of the signing of the agreement.

It is our position that a continued haggling over whether to sign up or not at this time is not in our best interest. We advise, therefore, that given the many advantages inherent in signing up, we should cease tarrying further and get on with the business of appending our seal to the agreement.

As critical members of ECOWAS, we cannot afford to drag our feet on a matter which is clearly, unambiguously in our favour to tread on.

We salute the persistence of the CSOs but ask that they sheath their swords, because in this fight over whether to sign or not, they are losing the battle.

Let us call a truce and move ahead. Comparing us with Nigeria which has turned her back on the EPA, is neither here nor there, especially since that country has her own peculiar challenges and can therefore afford to put such a stance. Not Ghana though.

 

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