Vice President of Imani Africa Bright Simons has said that he was alarmed following the announcement by Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta that the government has turned the corner relative to the economic challenges.
He said he felt out of touch with the contents of the mid-year budget that Mr Ofori-Atta presented in Parliament on Monday, July 31.
Mr Ofori-Atta said that with a lot of effort, the government managed to avoid empty shop shelves for medicines and other essentials the country has seen no shortages of food;
“We have been spared the frustrating spectre of long queues for fuel at our filling stations; and, we have managed, in spite of all the challenges, to keep the lights on,” he said.
“Indeed, as the Psalmist said (in Psalm 118:23) this is the LORD’s doing; and it is marvellous in our eyes.
“This ‘turning the corner’ is underpinned by the investments and sacrifices we have
collectively made during this difficult period since March 2020,” he added.
Mr Ofori-Atta further said that it is important that we acknowledge some of the major milestones that this country has experienced in the last 3 years.
“We should be still and appreciate that despite our challenges as a country, we have been saved from many extreme conditions that others have suffered, including peace, health, security, continuous supply of power, and life itself, amongst others.
“Over that period, the country has gone through extremely difficult situations, and
the gratitude of His Excellency the President and his government goes to the good
people of Ghana for their patience, understanding and positive contributions to
Government’s efforts to weather the storm.”
Commenting on this in a tweet, Mr Simons said “When I read the Ghana Mid-Year budget speech, I was a bit alarmed. I felt very out of touch! The government says the economic crisis is more or less over.
“For example, it says interest rates have declined consistently since December 2022. I’d thought differently! So, I went to check.”
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When I read the Ghana Mid-Year budget speech, I was a bit alarmed. I felt very out of touch! The govt says the econ crisis is more or less over. For eg, it says interest rates have declined consistently since December 2022. I'd thought differently! So, I went to check. Well.? pic.twitter.com/YjdSU5KKmE— Bright Simons (@BBSimons) July 31, 2023