Former President John Dramani Mahama has responded to remarks made by Kristalina Georgina, Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), to the effect that Ghana’s economic difficulties are not the result of poor policies.
The head of the IMF cited the Russian-Ukrainian war and the Covid outbreak as shocks that contributed to Ghana’s current bad economic situation.
She asserts that the country’s problems are not the result of “poor policies” allegedly carried out by the administration, but rather shocks from the two unanticipated causes that have had a significant influence on the economy.
“Like everybody on this planet you have been hurt by exogenous shocks. First the pandemic, then Russia-Ukraine. And then the we need to realise is not because of bad policies in the country, but because of this combination of shocks,” she added.
- Zambia receives a $1.3 billion loan from the IMF.
- Today, the Finance Minister will present the mid-year budget review; the IMF will be prominently featured.
Very good meeting with President @NAkufoAddo of Ghana 🇬🇭 on how we can work together to address current challenges and ensure the country realizes its tremendous potential. #GCA2022 @GCAdaptation @IMFNews stands with #Africa. pic.twitter.com/0W07nTFwPc
— Kristalina Georgieva (@KGeorgieva) September 5, 2022
The IMF Director added that Ghana, as a strong country in the sub-region, ought be supported by the IMF to bounce back because the strength of Ghana impacts positively on neighbouring countries.
“And therefore, we have to support (Ghana) because you’re a member. You’re a strong country, you have fantastic people, but also we have to support Ghana because your strength contributes to the strength of your neighbours. It contributes to a stronger world,” she told journalists at the ongoing Africa Climate Change Adaptation Summit.
But Mr Mahama said “while the norm in international diplomacy of being guarded in what one says is appreciated, comments by high ranking officials must be grounded on facts that take into consideration local realities and opinions.
“The incontrovertible fact is that, Ghana is in a mess due to the BAD POLICIES of this government, which have contributed massively to the dire state of affairs.
“International diplomats must consider these facts and not just ignore them; lest they make wrong diagnosis and prescribe inappropriate remedies,” he said in a statement…
Below is his full statement…
It is a relief to hear Madam Kristina Grigoreva reaffirm the commitment of the IMF to support the people of Ghana in these perilous times.
Ghanaians are undeserving of the uncertainty and hardship resulting from the ineptness of the Nana Akufo-Addo administration that has contributed massively to this mess.
While the norm in international diplomacy of being guarded in what one says is appreciated, comments by high ranking officials must be grounded on facts that take into consideration local realities and opinions.
The incontrovertible fact is that, Ghana is in a mess due to the BAD POLICIES of this government, which have contributed massively to the dire state of affairs.
International diplomats must consider these facts and not just ignore them; lest they make wrong diagnosis and prescribe inappropriate remedies.
Therefore, the rhetoric that emanates from international diplomats must reflect local realities.
The Ghanaian economy must be managed first for the Ghanaian who lives and experiences it daily, not just for an international audience.
