Former Finance Minister and Member of Parliament for Ajumako Hon. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, has vowed not to allow members of the New Patriotic Party administration to talk down a resilient economy they have inherited from the National Democratic Congress.
Senior Minister Yaw Osafo-Marfo has said Ghana's economic figures the NPP inherited from the NDC are not encouraging; describing it as one that is "extremely, heavily indebted but not poor."
According to him, Ghana's budget deficit is hovering at a worrying rate of 8% higher than the 5% expected under the IMF agreement. Ghana is currently under a three year programme with the IMF as part of efforts to bring credibility and stability to Ghana's economy.
As part of the program the country was expected to maintain a budget deficit of 5%, something Osafo Maafo said the previous government could not do.
What is worse, the Senior Minister who was Finance Minister in the erstwhile Kufuor administration said the debt to GDP is 72% a figure which can only be suffocating.
He pointed out that though Ghana’s economy is very strong fundamentally, those who managed it under the NDC were the problem.
To him, "the economy is bleeding seriously".
But Hon. Ato Forson in an interview on Radio Gold which was monitored by Peacefmonline.com stated that the NPP has started painting a gloomy picture to create room for their probable excuses in the event that they are unable to fulfill the numerous promises they made to Ghanaians during the 2016 electioneering campaign.
He advised Mr. Osafo-Marfo and his fellow party mates not to downplay the role ex-President Mahama’s administration played to build the economy by rating it on nominal GDP.
The Member of Parliament for the Ajumako Enyan Essiam Consistency advised the Senior Minister to stay away from “speculations” and keep in mind that there is no need for him to comment like "he is still in opposition".
“This is a political party that has been in opposition for 8 years. During their campaign, they talked down on the Ghana's economy.
They must leave the past behind them. They are no longer in opposition so they should check the numbers before they speculate. They should wait and not use one indices to judge the Ghanaian economy”, he advised.
“President Mahama has left behind a strong economy for them to take over”, he added.
“…it is early to know the nominal GDP- the Statistical Service is yet to come out with it... It is too early to put a figure on it”, he noted.
He continued that “the nominal GDP is yet to come out…the final numbers are not out, the ones we have now are provisional….to conclude that our economy isn’t strong is misleading”.
Source: Chris Joe Quaicoe/ email: [email protected]
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. |
When I started reading this ***barred word*** young politicians assertions, I was expecting to find facts and figures to convince me and all those who do not want to fall for the NDC arrogance and propaganda. What has this Ato Forson said that differs from what Mr Osafo Marfo had stated? What economy are you talking about Ato Forson? Is it the UK or US economy? You are a bit retarded so you make statements from your stomach. Propaganda will keep your party in perpetual opposition.
All that Osafo Marfo said was that though the economy is strong, it has been poorly managed. Mr Baah Forson, is he right or wrong? It is this attitude of yours and your ilks which made NDC to lose. Better ***barred word*** if you have nothing to say, period!
I CAN SEE THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAVE GOOD PLANS FOR OUR ECONOMY AND SHOULD TALK TOO MUCH BECAUSE ACTION SPEAKS LOUDER THAN WORDS SO THEY SHOULD STOP TALKING AND PUT THEIR PLAN IN TO ACTION AND LETS SEE THE WAY FORWARD
So even in opposition you guys can't come out with credible figures but only hide behind provisional figures just like you did in the just ended election. You guys told us you're in a comfortable lead with the figures you have but we should wait on the EC, just like you telling us now. Similar issue here. I just can't think far
Ato Forson, don't pick a fight you cannot win. Are you comparing your knowledge and experience in finance and economic management to that of Hon Osafo Marfo? Are you saying the Ghanaian economy is good or even performing satisfactorily? Then you and your NDC have a big problem. Your propaganda will not fly this time. Ghanaians did not but it and voted you out but you are saying the same things like a broken record.
THis Ato Forson guy paaa, how can you talk down your senior! The knowledge of Osafo far exceeds even what you boss Seth has, under normal circumstances you ought to have been a 3rd minister, considering your prior experience in "security" your knowledge in finance is shallow, just keep quiet
Pls Mr Forson, is it true; 1.Ghana's budget deficit is hovering at a worrying rate of 8% higher than the 5% expected under the IMF agreement? 2. Is it true the debt to GDP is 72%? These are the questions you should have answer than your insult. Be mature kakra wai. No wonder you said it on radio Gold where they won't ask you intelligent questions but propaganda kind.
Look at UK security man who because of NDC became a deputy finance minister. It is only in NDC government will such people have a role to play. You even completed your ACCA exams after becoming a minister, so what do you know about managing economy? Check the resume of the first batch of Nana's ministerial appointments, none is coming in as a private security man.
Why can't Ato school Osafo Marfo. Ato has efie nyasa. At least he pointed out to Osafo that his language must change. This is not time for Bawumia kind of press conferences where selective analysis is done to favor an opposition. This is time for proper stock taking, looking at things objectively and determining how to work the strengths and opportunities against the weaknesses and threats for a better Ghana. That is the only way you can get private investors coming to support you. If you paint the whole picture black, why should they come?
My paddy, NPP needs men of substance to deal with economic issues but not you the opportunist educated farmer who doesn't know teee.