Former president John Dramani Mahama claims that despite severe economic hardships, the government led by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is unwilling to make compromises. He claims that all sacrifices made in response to Ghana’s current economic difficulties are being placed on the shoulders of the populace.
John Mahama criticized President Akufo Addo in a speech at the 13th Congregation of the Accra Business School for not reducing the size of the government in order to save operating costs.
Though government has announced some austerity measures including cut back in salaries of appointees by 30%, limited use of V8 vehicles and cut back on fuel coupons, cut back on FX support for the importation of some items amongst other measures, the 2020 National Democratic Congress flagbearer noted that such measures are insignificant in addressing the challenges facing the economy.
“Expenditure has increased significantly by almost 80 billion cedis. There is no significant expenditure cut that mirror the gravity of the situation we have found ourselves in. It appears that we are set to live with the excessively bloated government especially in the Presidency.
“One would have thought that the size of government will be reduced to cut down expenditure. This administration is not willing to make any sacrifices, all the sacrifices are to be borne by the Ghanaian people,” he said.
He stated further that the 2023 budget is riddled with more frivolous expenditure that could have been avoided to save resources for more productive adventures.
Parliament on November 24 approved the 2023 budget despite opposition from the minority group.
The budget contains a debt exchange programme and increased VAT which have been described by Mr Mahama as sacrifices being slapped on the citizenry.