National Organizer of the National Democratic Congress, (NDC) Kofi Adams, has jabbed President Akufo Addo and his economic management team for admitting that times are hard as they urge Ghanaians to manage through the hardship.
The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori Atta is on record to have admonished Ghanaians to “tighten their belt” in the current economic hardship where fuel prices have been increased to GHC 5; worsening the situation.
Mr. Adams noted that there was nothing wrong with the President’s admission but what is a crime against the masses is the mess they (NPP) have plunged the nation into, giving sweet talks and performing poorly.
And that the Government instead of sacrificing and tightening of its belt by cutting down the huge number of appointees and stop the “blowing” of the public purse for the betterment of the masses, is rather calling on the poor Ghanaians to do so.
“it is more like the President and his appointees have loosened their belts and consuming a sumptuous bowl of meal whilst the poor peasant farmer is supposed to fast and starve, that is the problem.”
Speaking with Ekuorba Gyasi on Atinka AM Drive, Kofi Adams said government spends money on frivolous expenditures and appointments which should not be the case. Therefore, if Ken Ofori Atta is calling for tightening our belt they should live by example.
It must start from the Presidency to the Ministries and MMDAs. He lamented the 110 ministers which he said has expanded our wage bill and that it takes an insensitive and irresponsible government like the Nana Addo-led administration to further inflict pain to our existing wounds.
For instance, the NDC National Organizer cited the Ministry of Transport under former President John Mahama to be having a Minister and deputy superintending over railway development, transport including aviation.
The Tema to Akosombo railway, Kojokurom to Takoradi and the arrangement of extension to Tarkwa were all done by the Mahama government.
Kotoka International Airport, Phase 1 extension, Terminal 3 and Ho Airport, likewise the Kumasi and Tamale and the monies involved were not done by the government. Interestingly these projects were under a Minister and his deputy.
However, under Akufo Addo, these sectors: aviation, railway, and transport have been given to seven people to run. The cost of activities of a minister for a month is about GHC 100, 000.
Thus, per his argument, the current situation is the reason Ghanaians have so far kicked against any taxes they try to bring on board.
He added that as a country, we have misdirected our focus in ensuring socio-economic development by investing a chunk of money into projects that are unprofitable.
Ghana |Atinkaonline.com |Patrick Ofoe Nudzi