We Can't Be Blame the stated State of the Economy on Covid-19 -Economist

The Head of the Economics Department at the Garden City University College in Kumasi, Dr. Francis Tandoh has stated that the state of Ghana’s economy can’t be blamed on Covid-19.

This comes at the back of statements made by Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah and acting finance Minister, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu that covid-19 has crippled the economy.

The majority leader who doubles as Acting Finance Minister, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, stated in the 2021 budget that the debt stock of Ghana is currently at 296.1 billion cedis whereas the government inherited a debt stock of about 122 billion, where he explained that the cause is believed to be as a result of the negative impact the novel coronavirus has had on our fragile economy.

The Information Minister who doubles as Member Of Parliament for Ofoase Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah also revealed that the citizenry has a responsibility of helping the government return the country back to normalcy and so will have to pay for the freebies given by the government (Free Water and electricity) a reason for the introduction of new taxes as announced by the government.

Speaking in an interview on Shaft FM morning show, monitored by Soiree News, Dr. Tandoh on the other hand said, "I don’t agree with the government on its position that the current state of the economy is as a result of the impact of covid-19"

He said "Covid-19 is just a year in the country, but the debt stock has risen significantly. Previous governments combined left a 122 billion cedis debt for us, the current government however has taken it a notch high currently pegging around 296.1 billion cedis.

To make it worse, the government have not come clean on the monies received in support of the fight against the virus" he said. 

Kofi Wusu Brempong, Obuasi