Leader of the Minority caucus in Parliament, Honorable Haruna Iddrisu has asked the Akufo-Addo led government to focus on a Ghana beyond COVID agenda and not Ghana beyond aid.

Speaking in relation to the ‘fix the country’ protest which took place some weeks ago. He averred that their cry was genuine and further indicated he will even ask the government to ‘save the nation’.

“If I was the President, I would not even declare Ghana Beyond Aid but rather Ghana Beyond COVID. I will even add that we need to save the country from efforts as state capture. Where they take control of every state institution by wanting to direct affairs that pleases some personal interest and not just the public interest and our national good.”
Haruna Iddrisu

Hon. Iddrisu also explained that,;his reason for such a statement is that, the number of years left for the current administration cannot be used to achieve the Ghana Beyond Aid agenda set by the government.

“Because he has a three and half year’s journey and that journey cannot be attained;when he himself runs to an European bank to borrow 170 million Euros to set up a development bank. What has happened to ADB? What has happened to NIB? Can’t you revitalize them? Can’t you refocus and envision them to deliver?”
Haruna Iddrisu

Unemployment rate still high

Haruna Iddrisu further lamented about the high rate of unemployment. He also the drew attention to the number of banks which could be revived;to help the economy rather than the government borrowing to set up a new one.

“We don’t have people in employment. NIB is near collapse, ADB is near collapse. You couldn’t even borrow money to save 7 banks that are near collapse, 23 saving and loans institution, over 200 micro finance near collapse. Why didn’t government borrow to save those jobs and spend a whooping 23 billion and turn around to borrow.”
Haruna Iddrisu

He further disclosed that these banks requested for money to revitalize their operations but were turned down. He also indicated that the President is running an economy which is at a precipice of a multiple crisis.

“We are currently having an economy crisis, a covid crisis and an energy ‘dumsor’ crisis.”
Haruna Iddrisu

He explained that, we are in an economic crisis because this is the highest fiscal deficit ever recorded in Ghana’s history. He said according to the IMF a fiscal deficit of 15.5 percent was recorded.

“When you don’t discipline your expenditure and run fast on proliferate spending, you are likely to get this because the minister for finance is sharing parallel numbers with parliament and different numbers with the IMF.”
Haruna Iddrisu

Hon. Iddrisu averred that the structure of the economy is also not doing well. This, he explained, is because numerous people are unemployed with others working with their salaries not paid. He also indicated that some contractors who undertook some projects have still not been paid for these works.