A finance expert with the think tank Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), has proposed a novel idea aimed at enabling Ghanaian voters to actively participate in reviving Ghana’s troubled economy.
Haruna Alhassan suggests that the next government must not take the usual three to six months to make key appointments.
He stated the importance of this approach, stating that it would allow Ghanaians to see which political party has the right people to manage the country’s affairs and address the urgent economic challenges.
Speaking at the 13th edition of the CSJ Leadership Dialogue Series on July 12, 2024, themed “Ghana’s Economy from 2025 – 2028: The Hard Choices,” Alhassan stressed the urgency.
Read more: 2024 Elections: NDC to unveil manifesto mid-year
“The road ahead will be tough—tough, rough, and bumpy,” Alhassan remarked. He argued that the new government should be ready before January 2025 due to the current economic situation.
“We really do not have time to waste,” he added.
The Leadership Dialogue Series, a flagship civic education platform of CSJ, aims to nurture political participation and patriotic values through discussions with experts and prominent national leaders.
Mr Alhassan, a fellow of the Finance Pillar of CSJ and the keynote speaker at the event, highlighted the need for a government ready to act immediately.
He urged the two main political parties, the NDC and the NPP, to follow the UK’s recent example, where the new prime minister formed a 25-member cabinet within 24 hours of announcing the results.
Although Ghana requires a nomination and vetting process, Alhassan believes a determined government can find ways to ensure readiness from day one.
Announcing key appointments, especially for roles like Finance Minister and Central Bank Governor, would help voters decide which party is best equipped to solve economic challenges.
“It would be novel if the two leading parties can tell Ghanaians who they will be running their governments with if voted into power,” he said.
“Let people decide whether they have confidence in that person even before they vote your government into power.”
Read more: Prioritise neutrality of Civil Service in your manifesto – CLOGSAG to NDC
Before Alhassan’s keynote address, Georgina Danso, a businesswoman in Ghana, discussed how businesses are navigating the current economic challenges and what the next government must do.
“The next government has its work cut out,” she said, emphasizing the need for a conducive business environment and the restoration of trust in the government.
Danso stressed that the next government must inspire hope in the private sector through action, not just rhetoric. “We are talking about a government that will actually take action,” she reiterated.
The current administration, led by President Nana Akufo-Addo since 2019, has faced rising costs of goods and services, a depreciating currency, and a sluggish economy.
While the government blames external factors like the Russia-Ukraine war and COVID-19, many independent analysts attribute the situation to borrowing, corruption, and mismanagement.
Latest Stories
-
35th CIMG Awards: Full list of winners
58 mins -
The Multimedia Group wins big at CIMG Awards 2023
2 hours -
Bernard Mornah wins PNC flagbearship race
2 hours -
Video: Confusion at PNC National Executives election
3 hours -
Rapper E.L. joins King Promise as Guinness Accravaganza headliner for September 21 showdown
4 hours -
PNC Congress: Bernard Mornah leads in Greater Accra Region
4 hours -
Reject violence, divisive rhetoric, embrace peace ahead of elections – Bawumia appeals to Ghanaians
4 hours -
SEFF’s debut single ‘Father’ sets stage for bold new talent
5 hours -
Super typhoon Yagi kills four in Vietnam
6 hours -
Hollard Insurance-UENR Mentoring Day: Students urged to let hard work, integrity shine to advance career
6 hours -
2024/25 GPL: Vision FC opens campaign with draw against Berekum Chelsea
6 hours -
If Baba Yara pitch was good, Mumin clears the ball – Laryea Kingston
7 hours -
GPL 2024/25: Samartex begin title defence with draw against Dreams FC
7 hours -
Financing road construction and maintenance through a special fuel levy: A sustainable solution for Ghana’s road infrastructure
7 hours -
Ghana Celebrity Impact Awards 2024 launched to honor positive social influence
7 hours