Hassan Ayariga calls for an account on covid-19 fund to gain public trust

The Founder and Leader of the All People's Congress (APC), Mr. Hassan Ayariga is calling on the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) government to render an account to Ghanaians on the Covid-19 fund regarding inflows and spending.

This, according to him, will show government's commitment to accountability and gain citizens' trust.

The APC flag bearer made the call at a press conference in Accra yesterday expressing fear of the safety of the said fund.

"We know that because of the Covid-19 pandemic, many nations have gone through a lot of economic challenges and Ghana is not an exception. Many countries have gone on their knees begging for support. The global pandemic has cost people's lives, livelihoods, businesses and worsened the unemployment situation. Our country was already suffering before covid regardless of government propaganda claiming otherwise and it worsened with covid and I bet we all agree. But I know some stimulus packages were rolled out and people didn't get them. Government must account to Ghanaians on covid funds", he fumed.

"... we are now in serious crisis. Our debt stock has increased from GhS120 billion in 2016 to GHS 341 billion cedis in 2021. Our country's debt is at its highest peak with a Gross Domestic Product of 78%. We have borrowed so much and yet, we do not have good roads, hospitals and we are still struggling to build markets with virtually nothing to show for all that", he cried out.

Despite the borrowing, Mr Ayariga lamented, old projects initiated by the previous administration have still been left to rot.

He said " students are still sitting under trees across the country to learn. I want the government to note that governance is a continuous process if it cares to know. I am calling on the government to as a matter of urgency, complete all abandoned projects."

He said the suffering under the current government was unending one with unemployment witnessing its highest record. Adding, "In all these, we continue to get conflicting figures from government appointees who are skilful in quoting conflicting figures without shame each time they are confronted with questions on job creation."

Mr Ayariga disclosed that the country is suffering due to what he termed loud silence of clergy, Peace Council and responsive civil society organizations(CSOs) whose voices have always been loud at other times but now suddenly gone to sleep.

" What has changed? Let's all rise above pettiness and greed and speak to power to save our country from sinking," he cried out.

 Freeman Koryekpor Awlesu