Jake urges constructive statements on economy

The Government on Thursday said comments by some leading politicians that the low inflation rate was artificial were not supported by the facts and figures and urged them to avail themselves with the requisite information and knowledge.

This was contained in a statement Mr Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, Minister of Information and Presidential Affairs, issued in Accra in reaction to recent comments on the economy by leading politicians.

"The government has noted with concern recent statements by certain leading politicians to the effect that the rate of inflation, which is currently less than the projected 25 per cent is artificial," the statement said.

"Among the premises being used for the so-called artificial inflation rate is the rather false argument that government is not spending as much as is required," the statement noted and gave comparative figures of some monies spent so far.

In 2001, the government paid a total of 262.729 billion cedis into the District Assemblies' Common Fund as against 77.75 billion cedis paid into the fund by the previous government in 2000.

In the same period the government paid a total of 260.20 billion cedis into the Ghana Education Trust Fund compared to 30 billion cedis paid into the fund by their predecessor the year before.

The government also paid 214.1 billion cedis to clear all outstanding arrears it inherited as well as the payment of 467.4 billion cedis arrears in fulfilment of external obligations.

Mr Obetsebi-Lamptey said 59 billion cedis was also paid in Social Security zand National Insurance Trust contributions which had accumulated over the years under the previous government.

"The facts and figures, for instance, constitute enough proof that the government has been very forthcoming in discharging its obligations. "These successes, modest but significant, are real and have been achieved through prudent management, discipline and sincere commitment to its pledge to work conscientiously to alleviate the suffering of the average Ghanaian," the Minister said.