In March 2022, a Cabinet retreat extensively discussed the impact of global economic difficulties caused by COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine War on Ghanaians.
Cabinet then approved some measures which were outlined by the Finance Minister.
After three months of the implementation of these mitigation measures, the Government tasked a Committee to assess, review, engage critical stakeholders and report on the same to Cabinet on Thursday, 30th July 2022 for a major collective decision as to whether Ghana will go to IMF or not. This was to be done before the mid-year budget review by the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta.
The members of the Committee responsible for the assessment, review, and engagement on the mitigation measures were:
1. Yaw Osafo-Maafo, Chairman
2. Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, Agric Minister
3. Alan Kyerematen, Trade Minister
4. Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, Transport Minister
5. Daniel Botwe, Local Government Minister
6. Cecilia Abena Dapaah, Sanitation Minister
7. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Information Minister
According to Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, “All the recommendations after the assessment and engagement will be put on the table when those who manage fiscal policies come to the table for the mid-year budget review because whatever measures that need to be adjusted will have some fiscal implications”.
“This is all that will translate into what Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta will bring to Parliament when he reviews the economic policy and budget”.
It is therefore an absurdity to single out Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for attacks when a collective decision by Cabinet has been taken on the basis of recommendations from a Committee set up by the Government.
Can Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, an individual, stand up against the collective decision of the Cabinet and Government?
Dr. Bawumia is Still the Solid Brand to Break the 8 for NPP.
