A research fellow and policy analyst at the Center for Research and policy analysis, Benjamin Odame, has lauded government’s decision to review all flagship programs including the free SHS.
This comment by the expert comes after Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, revealed that all 16 flagship programs of the government including the Free Senior High School are up for review.
He added that the decision was taken at a 3-day crunch cabinet meeting, held at Peduase Lodge to proffer solutions to the economic hardships in the country.
At the meeting the President also approved a number of far reaching measures aimed at mitigating the depreciation of the cedi.
According to the Ministry of information, the retreats tackled the appraisal of the performance of government programs and also discussed the impact of the global economic difficulties on Ghana and the Ghanaian people.
Read Also: Akufo-Addo approves measures to mitigate depreciation of the cedi
“President Akufo-Addo approved a number of far-reaching measures aimed at mitigating the depreciation of the cedi, ensuring expenditure discipline, and providing relief in the face of the global fuel prices hikes and inflation as well as ensuring that priority programs meant to grow the economy are protected,” a statement from the Ministry of Information read.
Reacting to the development in an interview with host of Atinka FM’s AM Drive Kakyire Ofori Ayim, research fellow and policy analyst at the Center for Research and policy analysis, Benjamin Odame said the decision by government was a step in the right direction.
He noted that although the programs were of good help, the review was needed especially when the economy is struggling financially.
“Ghana is not exempted from the current crises as a result of the Russia -Ukraine war. Citing the free SHS as an example, it is important to review the policy to suit the current needs. Other sources of revenues have been cut and so the government needs other source of income. The existing policies are draining the economy and so the review is needed,” Benjamin Odame told Kaakyire Ofori Ayim.
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