Budget does not address fundamental problems

Nana Akomea

Head of the Communications of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Akomea says the 2012 budget of the Prof Mills led NDC which was presented to parliament recently does not address the fundamental problems of the rising cost of living.

He cited inadequate water supply for homes and industries as a factor and interest rates which is above 20%,

Contributing to the 2012 budget statement, the Okaikoi North MP stated that the budget does not address the fundamental problems of water, electricity, youth and adult unemployment.

'Mr. Speaker, a kilogram of bread which use to sell at GH¢1.00, today sells at 2.40p. A sachet of water which uses to sell at 0.30p now sells at 0.10, olonka of gari which use to sell at 1.20p today sells at 2.80p'.     

He cited the unreliable supply of water and electricity needed for domestic and commercial use which he said would leave Ghanaians merely as 'shop keepers.'

Akomea stated that over 100 promises in the 2011 Budget are yet to be fulfilled and chronicled government's promises to build Fishing Harbours, Landing Sites in all coastal areas across the country-promises which were made in the 2009 Budget Statement were still yet to be fulfilled.

He was not convinced the Budget had any good promise for the country.

Touching on the media development fund, he said although it is laudable, its management must be placed into the hands of the GJA and the NMC to ensure that its disbursement is multi partisan.

It would be recalled that the President of the Ghana Journalists Association, Mr. Ransford Tetteh stated that the GH¢1 million Media Development Fund promised in the 2012 budget cannot influence media reportage on government.

He says the media will always perform its watchdog role even though the government has established funds for the industry.

Mr. Ransford Tetteh explained that the fund is never to bribe or influence the media but to improve professionalism, adding that the media will continue to be critical on the government if the need be.

The MP for Tain, Ahmed Ibrahim on his part said before the budget was presented a lot of people were confused but after the presentation, they have been given a sign of relief after hearing that the electoral commission has been resourced adequately.

This he added is a government which is committed to a free and fair elections and not just rhetoric but by deed and words as such those who are yearning for biometric and electronic verification should put their case to rest.  

The debate continues today.