Ato Forson must acknowledge previous governments' contributions to economic recovery – Kofi Bentil

IMANI Africa’s Honorary Vice President, Kofi Bentil, has cautioned Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson against taking excessive credit for Ghana’s recent economic recovery, arguing that the country’s progress is the result of successive governments’ efforts.

He said although Dr Ato Forson had performed well in managing the economy, he should acknowledge the foundations laid by the previous New Patriotic Party administration rather than portray himself as the architect of all the current gains.

The policy analyst made the remarks on TV3’s KeyPoint programme on Saturday, November 14, while assessing the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy presented to Parliament by Dr Forson on Thursday, November 12.

He described the Finance Minister as a good shepherd who had taken proper care of what he inherited but cautioned him against presenting himself as a transformative leader responsible for achievements that predated his administration.

"Again, a good shepherd takes what he finds and does better with it. Gold Board is a great idea, but the origins of it was not this government. Let's all agree that they've done a good job with it," he said.

Mr. Bentil acknowledged that Dr Ato Forson had done well in managing the economy and could become one of Ghana's best finance ministers if he maintained his current approach.

However, he argued that economic governance was a continuous process and that the Finance Minister needed to recognise the contributions of Ghanaians and previous administrations to the country's recovery.

He cited the economic conditions inherited by the current government, including the country's gold reserves and debt restructuring efforts, as factors that should form part of the assessment of its performance.

Meanwhile, the 2027 Budget, themed New Economy, New Ghana, Jobs and Prosperity, projects total expenditure of GH¢389.2 billion, with revenue and grants estimated at GH¢323.4 billion.