Mahama went “begging” EU for money - Akoto Osei

The Minority Spokesperson on Finance Dr Anthony Akoto Osei has said President John Mahama went “begging” leader of the European Union for €64 million dollars to support the country’s budget.

The former Minister of State at the finance Ministry told Joy FM’s news analysis programme newsfile hosted by Samson Lardy Anyenini Saturday January 17, 2015 that Ghana’s dire economic situation compelled the President to go begging the country’s multi-donor partner for money.

Dr Akoto Osei, who was discussing the economic consequences of falling oil prices on the country’s 2015 budget said the Government’s mismanagement of the economy among others conspired against the country’s economic fortunes last year into this year.

"...Look didn't our President go to the EU President to beg for €64 million?"

President Mahama, in April last year appealed to the European Union (EU) to release a multi-donor budget support of 64 million euros it pledged to Ghana, reported state-owned Daily Graphic on April 3, 2014.

At a meeting with the President of the European Commission, Mr Jose Manuel Barroso, in Brussels, Belgium, President Mahama said the disbursement of the money to Ghana had delayed.

Discussions held between President Mahama and the EU President were aimed at deepening relations between Ghana and the EU.

Responding, Mr Barroso stated that the EU would continue to strengthen its relations with Ghana in a win-win-situation.

He underscored the need for a sustained effort to address the country’s short-term fiscal challenges.

Ghana gets about $1 billion budgetary support annually from its multi-donor partners including the EU.