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01.08.2014 Press Statement

Ghana's Transformational Agenda Is Not By Magic And Rhetorics, But Hard Work—Governance Watch Ghana

01.08.2014 LISTEN
By Governance Watch Ghana

We have noted with worry, the trend by some politicians to play on the current economic challenges facing this nation which requires seriousness to address, for political points.

We have come to terms with the government that times are hard for all Ghanaians which needs to be addressed as early as possible to provide some relief to the people. Hikes in petroleum prices, increase in inflation, and sky-rocketing cost of goods and services and the depreciation of the Ghana Cedi against major trading currencies increasing the cost of living of Ghanaians.

These challenges as have been identified did not come about just today. In reality, economic challenges takes time to manifest just as they take time to get addressed. However, some politicians have sort to play politics over the economic conditions of Ghana and to project themselves as the 'messiahs' who would perform 'magic' to turn the situation around.

No where in the world has any 'magic' whatsoever been performed to address economic challenges. In deed, what is required in an economy that is facing challenges like ours is collective efforts of the citizenry especially political leaders to work harder to make the gains we all want.

We are here as a result of some decisions that were taken in the past. Today, we obtain less than 15% as our benefit from the oil we mine from this country. As a result of the attainment of Middle Income status, Ghana has had to grapple with some financial difficulties as it has been believed to have reached a level where it could generate revenue from within. The only options opened up to government then are to increase taxes to meet the developmental demands of the people, or to borrow from either internal or external sources available. Loans that should naturally attract good concessions are being denied us. Grants are not forthcoming and this could only have been the contributory factor to what we face today.

There is no 'magic' that can scope us from this quagmire but prudent fiscal measures targeted at controlling import and increasing export, increase in domestic production for domestic consumption, improvement in our energy supply to aid businesses that are producing.

We are of the view, that, no matter which government is in place today, Ghana's economic fortunes would not turn around all of a sudden. If we are being told today that our salvation lies in the hands of some few people, that is unrealistic and an attempt to play on the conscience of the people. What we require now as a nation to get out of this challenge are that, we must admit that this problem is our collective problem and requires all of us to solve, we must work harder than before, we must be ready enough to sacrifice a little more for Ghana, we must wear back our fast-eroding senses of patriotism, we must begin to develop taste for what we produce here as a nation and we shall smile at the storm.

Thank you.

..........Signed..........

Stephen Kwabena Attuh ASK

George Ekegey Ekeha

Nii Yemo 1

Adomako Fred Williams

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