Professor Kwesi Jonah, a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), has criticized President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s statement that the lack of attention to development in Ekumfi was due to the constituency’s decision to vote Francis Ato Cudjoe out of parliament in the 2020 elections.
Professor Kwasi Jonah reacting to President Akufo-Addo statement in a media interview on Wednesday, January 17 2024 strongly posited that the area’s progress and development should not be contingent on the political affiliation of its Member of Parliament.
The Senior Research Fellow also emphasized the need for development to be decoupled from political considerations, asserting that citizens should not suffer due to their electoral choices.
“Why should the development of an area be dependent on the NPP having an MP there and I don’t expect statements like this to come from the President, not from even a deputy minister. I wouldn’t say that because of this particular statement, his governance style is very bad”
Professor Kwasi Jonah
The Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) Senior Research Fellow further argued that President Akufo-Addo’s statement sparked concerns about the equitable distribution of resources and development projects, raising questions about the impact of political affiliations on local development in the country.
According to him, such situation if not eschew from the country’s governance and administrative arrangement could go a long way to undermine local development especially to communities that do not vote for incumbent government.
Foreign Currency Inflow In Ghana And Its Impact On The Country’s Economic Fortunes
Moreover, Professor Kwasi Jonah commenting on the country’s economy situation expressed doubt about the improvements of the country’s economic fortunes regardless of several inflow of foreign currency into the economy in recent times.
The Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) Senior Research Fellow attributed the possible development to the 2024 general election.
“There is some inflow with a lot of foreign currency into the economy, and people are hoping that things will turn around. But don’t forget that we have barely 11 months to go for an election, and when these monies come, the impact will not be immediate.
“It will take some time for things to improve and getting the money is one thing and using it by implementing the policies associated with the money is also another matter. I must say that there have been very disappointing moments in the governance of this country for some years now”.
Professor Kwasi Jonah
Professor Kwasi Jonah further highlighted the importance of efficient policy implementation to maximize the benefits of available funds.
While acknowledging the potential positive impact of foreign currency inflows, Professor Jonah noted that challenges in governance over recent years have led to disappointing moments in the country.
Professor Jonah’s comments underscore the importance and the need for the government to ensure cost effective and efficient utilization of the country’s resources particularly during the electioneering campaign period ahead of the December 7 2024 general elections.
Meanwhile, Professor Lord Mensah, a Senior Lecturer at the University Of Ghana Business School, has voiced concerns over the current economic growth model in Ghana, emphasizing the need for a more sustainable approach that involves contributions from businesses and individuals.
Speaking on the expected growth in the coming year, Professor Mensah acknowledged that government spending could drive short-term growth, however, he cautioned against a growth model heavily dependent on government initiatives, as it may not lead to equitable distribution of benefits.
He highlighted the importance of sustainable growth, where both businesses and individuals play active roles, leading to a more inclusive and widely distributed economic development.
Expressing his concern, Professor Mensah noted that a growth model solely reliant on government expenditure might not effectively address the needs of the people.
“In that case, we call it sustainable growth because it is a growth that encompasses. But if you are running the show and the government is riding on the high-interest rates to hijack all funds into its bosom, you can call it growth, but it does not trickle down to the people”
Professor Lord Mensah
Professor Mensah further emphasized the challenges facing the Ghanaian economy, urging a shift from a model where economic success is measured primarily by government spending.
He expressed concern that while indicators may suggest economic growth, the reality on the ground reveals a population facing hardships.
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