Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ghanaian Times
Published on 2024-02-28 08:26:34
In his recent address in parliament, Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson made a bold statement regarding the true state of the Ghanaian economy. Dr. Forson, who represents the Ajumako/Enyan/Esiam constituency, emphasized that the prevailing condition in Ghana is one of joblessness and hopelessness. This bleak reality, according to Dr. Forson, is the driving force behind the increasing number of Ghanaian professionals seeking better opportunities in other countries.
Dr. Forson expressed his dismay at President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s lack of concern for the current state of the nation. He criticized the President’s decision to expand the government, pointing out the addition of new positions such as Minister of Finance Domestic and Minister of Finance International. Dr. Forson found this expansion puzzling, especially at a time when there have been calls for the President to streamline his government.
The recent reshuffle that saw Ken Ofori-Atta reassigned as Senior Presidential Advisor and Special Envoy for International Finance and Private Sector Investments, and Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam promoted to Finance Minister from Minister of State, was met with skepticism by Dr. Forson. The nomination of Abena Osei-Asare as Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance and Dr. Alexander Ampaabeng as Deputy Minister of Finance raised questions about the President’s priorities.
Dr. Forson highlighted the critical issue of unemployment in Ghana, with only 11 million out of 33 million citizens employed. He emphasized that two out of every three Ghanaians are unemployed, with 30% of the youth jobless and 4.5 million people out of the labor force. This staggering unemployment rate reflects years of frustration and disappointment under the current government.
The Minority Leader asserted that voting for Alhaji Bawumia would essentially be a vote for President Akufo-Addo’s third term, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the President and his Vice President. Dr. Forson criticized the government’s failure to address the unemployment crisis and called on the President to take responsibility for the situation.
On the other hand, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin expressed optimism about Ghana’s economic recovery despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the global political landscape. He commended the President for his leadership during difficult times and assured the country would emerge stronger from the current setbacks.
Majority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh praised the President for his honesty and humility in addressing the country’s challenges. He commended the President for acknowledging the difficulties facing the nation and expressed confidence in the government’s ability to navigate through the crisis.
In conclusion, the statements made by both the Minority and Majority Leaders reflect the contrasting views on the state of the Ghanaian economy. While the Minority expresses concern over rising unemployment and economic challenges, the Majority remains optimistic about the country’s recovery under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo. The debate on the true state of the nation continues as Ghana grapples with current socio-economic issues.
Read the original article on Ghanaian Times
